Presidential aspirants wait like witches, says Mugabe

Presidential aspirants wait like witches, says Mugabe

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By Staff Reporter

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has hit out against fierce jockeying for his position, accusing would-be presidential candidates of waiting impatiently "like witches" to see him go, it was reported on Wednesday.

In candid comments about the fighting in the corridors of power, Mugabe, 82, said there were just three or four candidates wanting to succeed him, the state-controlled Herald newspaper reported.

In other African countries there are up to 30 presidential candidates and "we don't want it that way", Mugabe said.

The vexed question of who is to step into Mugabe's shoes is believed to be giving rise to vicious behind-the-scenes battles and the Zimbabwean leader is showing impatience with his would-be successors.

"Even before the term of the president [has expired], they want the seat. I haven't completed my term, but you are already waiting by the door like a witch," he was quoted as saying during a speech made at Harare's Catholic University last week.

"But power is power, some will say, by hook or crook I must get there."

Mugabe's term of office is due to expire in 2008. There have, however, been calls from some in the ruling Zanu-PF party to extend it until 2010.

Local reports say presidential candidates at present appear to be ruling party political heavyweight Emmerson Mnangagwa; vice-president and former army commander's wife Joice Mujuru; former finance minister and ruling party moderate Simba Makoni; and possibly Central Bank chief Gideon Gono, although Gono has denied any interest. -- Sapa-dpa

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