British foreign secretary: 'President Mugabe persists in his ambition to steal the election'

Monday, April 21, 2008

David Miliband, the British foreign secretary today said that "the constitutional crisis in Zimbabwe continues as President Mugabe persists in his ambition to steal the election."

David Miliband
Image: Shelley and Alan Heckman.

Miliband noted in his statement that "it is over three weeks since the elections were held but the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is yet to announce the Presidential results."

"More worryingly President Mugabe and his ZANU(PF) party have unleashed a campaign of violence against those ordinary Zimbabweans, sixty percent of them, who in spite of everything voted against him," he continued.

The statement continued, "political refugees from the rural areas that were once President Mugabe's heartlands but have had the courage to express their opposition peacefully through the ballot box have been pouring into urban centres to receive medical treatment and support."

"Local and international NGOs are highlighting these abuses daily," says Miliband, "evidence that they are taking place is irrefutable."

Leaders of the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) recently said that the unofficial tally, based on one-third of the election returns, shows their leader, Morgan Tsvangirai with 67% of the vote. The 'results' were posted on the doors of polling stations, and then sent to party officials by text messaging. MDC Secretary General Tendai Biti said then that, "Barring a miracle, Mugabe can't win."

On Friday, Mugabe accused the British of working with the MDC to overthrow the government.

Related news

"Zimbabwe begins vote recount" — Wikinews, April 19, 2008
"Robert Mugabe denounces Britain and opposition" — Wikinews, April 18, 2008
"Zimbabwe's election delay could have 'serious implications', warns UN Secretary-General" — Wikinews, April 16, 2008
"Zimbabwe opposition claims early victory in election" — Wikinews, March 30, 2008
"Zimbabwe prepares for election" — Wikinews, March 29, 2008

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Sources

David Miliband. In full: Miliband Mugabe statement — BBC News Online, April 21, 2008
Associated Press. British foreign secretary accuses Zimbabwe's Mugabe of using violence to steal election — pr-inside.com, April 21, 2008
Mugabe party questions vote count — BBC News Online, April 6, 2008
Zimbabwe Electoral Authorities Pressured To Release Results — Voice of America, March 30, 2008
Scott Baldauf. Zimbabwe opposition claims election win — Christian Science Monitor, March 30, 2008
Zimbabwe opposition claims early victory — CNN, March 30, 2008
Antony Sguazzin and Brian Latham. Mugabe May Be Headed for Election Defeat; MDC Claims Victory — Bloomberg L.P., March 30, 2008

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