HARARE, Zimbabwe, June 26 (UPI) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, facing no opposition in a run-off election, refused to consider Thursday canceling the vote.
Instead, Mugabe continued to campaign even though his opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change, dropped out several days ago, the BBC reported. Tsvangirai said a fair election could not be held because of the violence perpetrated by Mugabe's ZANU-PF Party.
Faustino Mazango, a member of Mugabe's government, blamed the MDC for the violence, saying it was being used by Britain and the United States. Mugabe, at a campaign appearance, spoke of the "demons at No. 10 Downing Street," referring to the residence and office of Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Mugabe, at a rally in Harare, said he also does not care about calls from other African leaders.
"I would rather the world left us in peace. Sanctions, well, let them continue with their sanctions, but we will find our way of existing," said Mugabe.
Tsvangirai told his supporters to vote Friday rather than risk physical assault by the government or its supporters. Some Zimbabweans said they had been told to claim to have arm injuries so they can be assisted with voting.
