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Mugabe gives buses to villagers
13/03/2008 20:23 - (SA)
Harare - Fighting for re-election in just over two weeks, Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe on Thursday handed out 23 buses to villagers in northern Zimbabwe, state radio said.
Mugabe told at a campaign rally in Mashonaland West province that the 40-seater buses should ease transport problems in the area.
He also reminded voters of the problems they faced during the colonial era, according to the report.
The 84-year-old president commissioned 300 buses last weekend and promised an equal number would arrive soon.
Trying to buy votes
Mugabe, in power since independence in 1980, is fighting for his political survival in the March 29 poll against two strong challengers: Morgan Tsvangirai of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), and former finance minister Simba Makoni who has several powerful backers.
Since the launch of his electoral campaign, Mugabe has already handed out 500 tractors, scores of computers to impoverished ruling schools, a drum of diesel to each traditional chief and tens of thousands of ox-drawn ploughs.
His deputy information minister Bright Matonga last week warned voters in Mhondoro, Mashonaland West province, against "Western-sponsored parties that are trying to buy votes with money and food," state media reported. - Sapa-dpa
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