Mugabe Threatens to Pull Zimbabwe Out of SADC
President Robert Mugabe said he did not have to consult Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on the election date
HARARE — President Robert Mugabe on Thursday launched his party’s 2013 election campaign threatening to pull Zimbabwe out of the Southern African Development community. Speaking at the launch of his party’s election manifesto for the July 31s elections, President Mugabe said he may pull the country out of SADC if some member states of the bloc continue to interfere with the country’s internal affairs. Mr. Mugabe and his Zanu PF party are apparently miffed by South African president Jacob Zuma, insisting on the need for Harare to implement more democratic reforms ahead of the election. Mr. Zuma is the SADC appointed mediator in Harare and he is supported in the clarion call by others like Botswana’s Ian Seretse Khama. On his controversial proclamation of this year’s election date, Mr. Mugabe said there was no reason for him to consult his governing partners in the coalition government. Prime Minister Tsvangirai said Mr. Mugabe acted outside the constitution when he failed to consult him in setting the poll date. The Zanu PF leader described the forthcoming election as a “battle for survival” predicting that his party will romp to victory with at least 90 percent of the total votes cast. He urged those contesting for parliamentary seats under the Zanu PF ticket to also campaign for him so the former liberation party can avoid another unity government. In the previous elections, some Zanu PF supporters did not vote for Mr. Mugabe although they voted for their parliamentary candidates in an operation called “bhora musango (no goal).” The president said his party will ensure that Zimbabweans get access to the country’s resources through the indigenization program and will create employment, among other promises. He also called on his party’s activists and supporters to campaign peacefully ahead of the July 31 polls. Meanwhile, Mr. Tsvangirai is expected to launch his party’s election campaign at a rally set for Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera on Sunday.