Mugabe hints at early Zimbabwe election

HARARE, Zimbabwe, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Zimbabwe's president said a unity government has overstayed its welcome and it's time for elections to replace what he said was an illegitimate alliance.

Robert Mugabe emerged as president of Zimbabwe with Morgan Tsvangirai taking over as prime minister in a 2008 power-sharing deal that ended a bloody political confrontation over the country's leadership.

Both leaders hinted in January the country might have a general election this year though opposition leaders at the time hinted it would destabilize Zimbabwe.

Mugabe, in a news conference, said the political alliance has run its course and it was time for elections as early as next year.

"Our country does not have an elected government," he was quoted by the BBC as saying. "I am president to a political arrangement which is makeshift, undemocratic and illegitimate."

Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since it gained independence from Britain in 1980. The 87-year-old leader is reportedly in declining health. The British broadcaster suggested his health might be one of the reasons he wants an early election.

Officials with Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change had said Zimbabwe needs to advance politically before it can consider another round of elections.