Mugabe denies rift in Zanu-PF

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has rejected claims that the ruling Zanu-PF has been split in two. He was reacting to reports suggesting that the ruling party has lost support as a result of former Finance Minister Simba Makoni's decision to run in next weekend's presidential polls.

Mugabe was addressing supporters at a rally in the Bulawayo township of Makokoba. About 5 000 Zanu-PF supporters attended the rally.

The area in the southwest of Zimbabwe is an opposition stronghold. Mugabe told supporters that the leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai, does not stand a chance to win presidential elections.

Economic turmoil
Zimbabweans say the upcoming elections are simply about bread and butter issues. Many are battling to survive the economic turmoil facing the country. The inflation rate continues to sky rocket, making basic commodities like bread, flour and cooking oil scarce and too expensive.

Residents in Sakugva, Mutare's oldest suburb, are still reeling from a government campaign to rid the area of shacks. Families of up to eight are now forced to share a single room. They see Tsvangirai as the only man to end their hardships.

The people are pinning all their hopes on Saturday's poll. They hope it will be the beginning of a new Zimbabwe.

MDC predicts poll chaos
Tsvangirai says Mugabe's government will prove that it's confused, arrogant and worthless by conducting a chaotic election March 29.

The opposition accused Zimbabwe's authorities of printing millions of surplus ballot papers, raising the risk of vote-rigging in next week's presidential and legislative elections.

Tsvangirai is up against an entrenched Zanu-PF leader, and a new, untested independent candidate.