Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe branded the United States “absolutely insane” on Thursday for voicing concerns about a 31 July election, although neighbouring South Africa joined Washington in criticising chaotic preparations for the vote.
Speaking to thousands of supporters in Chinhoyi, 115km northwest of Harare, the 89-year-old also rejected calls for reform of partisan security forces, saying his main rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, could make changes if he won.
“In America they are saying Zimbabwe has gone for an early election without reforms. Americans must be mad and absolutely insane,” Mugabe said in an address that last more than 2-1/2 hours, confounding speculation his health is failing.
The vote is meant to end five years of fractious unity government under a deal brokered by regional power South Africa following violent and disputed polls in 2008 but with its credibility already being questioned, those hopes are waning.
Source: African Spotlight
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