Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Zimbabwe Opposition Wants New Elections, New Constitution
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=CA47DC:2AB91D3

MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, other party members contend president
Mugabe used violence, intimidation, manipulated Zimbabwe's
repressive laws to rig vote  Zimbabwe's opposition party has
categorically rejected the official results of last week's
parliamentary elections and is demanding a new vote under a new
constitution.







Morgan TsvangiraiPresident Robert Mugabe's government says his ruling
ZANU-PF party won 78 of the 120 elected seats in Parliament - nearly
double the 41 seats won by the opposition Movement for Democratic
Change. MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, however, says his information
indicates the opposition actually won 94 seats.

Since the president directly appoints another 30 members of the
150-seat parliament, the election results give Mr. Mugabe a two-thirds
majority - enough to override any opposition and amend the
constitution.

Mr. Tsvangirai and other MDC members contend that Mr. Mugabe used
violence, intimidation and manipulated Zimbabwe's repressive laws to
rig the vote. Under the current system in Harare, they say, no
election can be free and fair.

The opposition has not specified how a new constitution should be
drawn up or how election laws should be changed, but there are
suggestions that the United Nations should play a role in such
reforms.







Robert MugabeMr. Mugabe has been Zimbabwe's ruler since the former
British colony gained independence 25 years ago. The 81-year-old
president has dismissed criticism of last Thursday's vote, and joked
to reporters that he might now remain in power until he is 100 years
old.

 

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.


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