(NEWZIMBABWE) Zanu PF Women’s League backs Mugabe for poll

Zanu PF Women’s League backs Mugabe for poll
by AFP
17/10/2010 00:00:00

THE Zanu PF women's league has said it is backing President Robert Mugabe to stand in elections likely next year and rule Zimbabwe "forever", state media reported on Sunday.

"We endorse your candidature. We are saying: stand in the next election and rule forever," ZANU-PF Women's League secretary Oppah Muchinguri was quoted as saying by the Sunday Mail. "Your work cannot be compared to that of anyone else. Do not leave us."

Muchinguri was speaking at the league's annual assembly on Saturday attended by Mugabe.

Mugabe has since indicated interest in representing Zanu PF at the next elections and is unlikely to face a challenge from within the party.

The 86-year-old has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980 but shares power with his former rival Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai following a political deal signed in 2008.

Last week Mugabe said Zimbabwe's unity government should dissolve within months and called for elections next year despite stalled efforts at political reform.

"We do not want to pass June (2011) without elections. We want acceleration of pace," Mugabe told the women.

No election date has been set but both Mugabe and Tsvangirai's parties say they are ready for the ballot.