Do More With Reuters
Partner Services

Tsvangirai challenges Mugabe to new election

Sun Sep 7, 2008 9:12pm IST
 
Email | Print | | Single Page
[-] Text [+]

By Mike Saburi

GWERU, Zimbabwe (Reuters) - Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said on Sunday his party would rather quit power-sharing talks than sign an unsatisfactory deal and challenged President Robert Mugabe to call a new election.

"We are saying to him you can call another election under international supervision and let's see who is going to win that race," he told a rally to celebrate the ninth anniversary of his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

Tsvangirai beat Mugabe in a March 29 election but fell short of enough votes to avoid a June run-off, which was won by Mugabe unopposed after Tsvangirai pulled out, citing violence and intimidation against his supporters.

"We would rather have no deal than a bad deal," Tsvangirai said.

The post-election talks are deadlocked over how to share executive power between Mugabe and Tsvangirai, putting off any chance of rescuing Zimbabwe from its economic collapse.

Mugabe has said he will form a cabinet with or without Tsvangirai.

MEDIATION STRUGGLE  Continued...

MORE ON REUTERS

Reuters Pictures
Reuters Pictures

A selection of the best Reuters photos.  Full Coverage 

Verdict 2009
Verdict 2009

The Congress-led coalition won the election.  Full Coverage 

 
Bollywood Beat
Bollywood Beat

News from the Indian film industry.   Full Coverage 

South Asia
South Asia

The latest from Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.  Full Coverage 

 
Tech Zone
Tech Zone

Get technology news from around the world.  Full Coverage 

Tennis player Roger Federer
World of Sport

The latest on tennis, boxing, swimming and cycling.  Full Coverage 

 
Photo

special coverage

Budget 2009/10
Budget 2009/10

The government presents the budget on July 6.  Full Coverage