Tsvangirai says MDC has no 'junior' role

HARARE, Zimbabwe, June 27 (UPI) -- Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai says his Movement for Democratic Change should not be a "junior" partner in a coalition government.

SW Radio Africa reported Friday that Tsvangirai made the comment the same day longtime Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe pressed ahead with the nation's one-man election, after Tsvangirai exited the race for fear of his life.

"The burden of responsibility lies with the MDC on whether we would accept such an arrangement. How can the majority party accept to be junior partner?' he was quoted as saying.

Tsvangirai said Friday's election had put the country into further crisis and would not help solve the problems Zimbabweans face.