Mugabe Rival Ready for Round Two

Posted on May 10, 2008

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Don’t call it a comeback: Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai says he intends to start his “victory tour” soon.

Whatever else might be said about Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change, it’s definitely fair to say that the man is tenacious. After weeks of confusion following his bid to oust longtime leader Robert Mugabe from the presidency, Tsvangirai says he’s now gearing up for an electoral rematch.

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CNN.com:

The head of the Movement for Democratic Change made his declaration in the South African capital of Pretoria, ending speculation about his plans.

He said voters and supporters had told members of his party that they would support him in a second round of voting against Mugabe.

If Tsvangirai had not entered the runoff, Mugabe—in power for nearly three decades—would have retained the presidency by default.

“I am ready, the people are ready,” Tsvangirai said, according to The Associated Press.

“I intend to return as shortly as possible and intend to begin a victory tour.”

Tsvangirai has been away from Zimbabwe seeking support from other Africa leaders while the March 29 election results were delayed.

Zimbabwe’s electoral commission finally announced last week that Tsvangirai won more votes than incumbent Robert Mugabe in the presidential race, but not enough to avoid a runoff.

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