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Zim 'run by a military govt'
10/04/2008 20:21 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai had been briefed by senior Zimbabwean military and intelligence officials that their aim is not only to intimidate but to punish opponents of the regime.
"We will not accept that," MDC secretary-general Tendai Biti said at a news conference in Johannesburg on Thursday.
He said that Zimbabwe was being run by a military government and President Robert Mugabe had effectively pulled off an "unconstitutional coup" by not stepping down.
Biti said constitutional rule had been abandoned, the election process had been aborted and the MDC had received a leaked report that military forces were being deployed across the country.
Despite the election results not having been released 300 hours after the voting process, the MDC had won "beyond a reasonable doubt" with a margin higher than the initial reports of 50.3%, Biti said.
He said Mugabe's term of office, and that of his cabinet, had expired on March 11.
"In reality President Robert Mugabe is a caretaker president. There is an illegitimate government in place in Zimbabwe."
He also confirmed that the MDC would not take part in a run-off election.
"We won the presidential election hands down, without the need for a run off. It will simply exacerbate a situation of suffering of our people... a new government will have to get on with the business of governance."
"A run-off is a mere run over of people's rights."
Biti said Mugabe needed to be told that he should step down.
On Monday, the High Court in Harare is expected to give judgment on the urgent application by the MDC to release the results of the presidential election.
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Zimbabwe Special Report
