Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Robert Mugabe said today that his party had won “a resounding mandate” from voters to complete a sweeping “black empowerment” programme, taking over foreign and white-owned assets.
Mr Mugabe said the programme, widely criticised by Western countries, would be “pursued to its successful conclusion”.
The outgoing Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, 61, is challenging the results of the 31 July election and alleges widespread vote-rigging that gave Mr Mugabe, 89, and his Zanu-PF party a commanding victory.
Addressing military parades on the annual Defence Forces holiday, Mr Mugabe said voters had ended an unwieldy coalition with Mr Tsvangirai’s opposition that was formed after violent and disputed elections in 2008.
He said the vote showed confidence in his party and its drive for “total economic emancipation” for prosperity and jobs.
Britain, the former colonial power, and the United States have questioned whether the results represent a free and fair vote.
Mr Mugabe said Britain had opposed black empowerment since 2000, when thousands of white farmers were forced to surrender their land. “This policy beneficial to indigenous Zimbabweans will be taken to its successful conclusion” under the new Zanu-PF government, he said.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments