Robert Mugabe has
launched a stinging attack on his opposition rivals in his first public
speech since he won Zimbabwe's disputed presidential election.
Rejecting PM Morgan Tsvangirai's claims that the vote was stolen, he said those against him could "go hang".Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) boycotted the speech.
The MDC has lodged a legal challenge against the result of the "stolen election", demanding it be rerun.
Mr Mugabe won 61% of the vote in the election on 31 July, while Mr Tsvangirai came second with 35% and Welshman Ncube third with 3%, according to official results.
The president's Zanu-PF party also gained a parliamentary majority of more than two-thirds, winning 160 of the 210 seats.
A spirit of defiance was palpable at Heroes' Acre, reinforcing a controversial electoral victory that has possibly ushered 89-year old Robert Mugabe into office for another five-year term.
The posters overlooking the shrine captured the spirit of the
moment: "There is honour in conceding defeat," and "It's Africa versus
Europe".
The venom with which Mr Mugabe attacked his political rivals speaks of an unrepentant politician, who despised the power-sharing government that some believe gave him political respite over the past four years.
"They can go hang," he said, apparently referring to his former coalition partners. "Even dogs won't sniff their corpses."
For those tempted to think there may be a sudden shift in policies, another banner hailed the controversial proposal to force foreign-owned companies to relinquish 51% of their shares to locals. "Now begins the empowerment revolution."
The venom with which Mr Mugabe attacked his political rivals speaks of an unrepentant politician, who despised the power-sharing government that some believe gave him political respite over the past four years.
"They can go hang," he said, apparently referring to his former coalition partners. "Even dogs won't sniff their corpses."
For those tempted to think there may be a sudden shift in policies, another banner hailed the controversial proposal to force foreign-owned companies to relinquish 51% of their shares to locals. "Now begins the empowerment revolution."
In his Heroes' Day speech, which
dealt with a series of national issues, Mr Mugabe focused at one point
on his election victory and called for celebrations.
"Those who lost elections may commit suicide if they so wish. Even if they die, dogs will not sniff their corpses," he said. "We are delivering democracy on a platter. We say take it or leave it, but the people have delivered democracy."
Zimbabwe's Western detractors had been "put to shame", he added. "Never will we go back on our victory."
Non-governmental organisations had been used to rig elections in 2008, he claimed, but Zanu-PF had never stopped planning since then and had "buried thieves in our midst".
"We found we were dining with and sharing our bed with thieves. We will never give thieves the power to rule."
Mr Mugabe's main rival Mr Tsvangirai won the first round of the 2008 presidential vote, but official results said he had failed to win outright.
He later pulled out of the second round because of attacks on his supporters, and eventually a power-sharing agreement was worked out.
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