Mugabe sworn in for sixth term
Robert Mugabe votes himself back into power for another five years
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Sunday, 29, Jun 2008 04:13
Zimbabwe's incumbent president Robert Mugabe has been sworn in after officials confirmed his victory in Friday's uncontested election.
The second-round runoff vote was widely condemned by the international community after opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out because of persecution of his supporters by those backing Mr Mugabe.
The 84-year-old is being sworn in at his State House residence, confirming his sixth term in power. He will extend his 28-year rule for another five years as a result.
The AFP news agency quoted an Electoral Commission official saying Mr Mugabe won 2,150,269 votes against 233,000.
But the Associated Press news agency said 131,000 votes had been defaced, in an apparent attempt to register protest against Mr Mugabe's one-sided victory.
Mr Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980 and came second in the first-round vote against Mr Tsvangirai. The latter failed to secure an overall majority, however, leading to the second round.
Mr Tsvangirai was invited to the swearing-in ceremony but refused, Harare said.
He told the Daily Telegraph that his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, which has the most seats in parliament, was considering forming a national unity government which could include his rival Mr Mugabe.
Mr Tsvangirai said: "The broad principle is how can the two parties coexist, for a short duration, through a transition that will allow us to make a new constitution and a fresh election.
"I don't think it's inconceivable for such an arrangement to include him [Robert Mugabe], depending, of course, on the details of what is being proposed and what are the arrangements," he added.