Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe has vowed to remain in power claiming no other person is suitable to rule the country.

President Mugabe Greets Politiburo Members

The aging president on Wednesday this week defied the country's laws and electoral regulations by extending the presidential election run-off date. The run-off was supposed to be held in 21 days after the election, but is now going to be held within 90 days.

A close source hints Mugabe has refused to accept dialogue as the way forward in bringing peace and prosperity to once the bread basket of Southern Africa- Zimbabwe.

“Mugabe has strongly emphasised he will not be going anywhere, anytime soon. Besides, he has also beefed up his uniformed forces.”

Controversy marred the March 29 harmonised elections in which the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Morgan Tsvangirai claims he won the election by more than 50 percent therefore evading a second round election. In the poll, Mugabe lost to Tsvangirai, the first time the ZANU PF leader was defeated in a poll.

The source said Mugabe and his loyalists have worked on a run-off strategic plan, which has been just implicated.

“To a larger extent, the plan aims to do away with all those people in key positions suspected of being involved with the opposition or against Mugabe.”

“It also deals especially with eliminating the MDC's key people, as currently happening in the rural areas,” he said.

In his campaign in March this year, Mugabe said no other leader will get to the State House on a silver platter.

“Kana nemiwo. Ndinonotii kuna Mbuya Nehanda? Ndinonoti nyika ndakaisiyira ani? (What will I say to Mbuya Nehanda- spirit medium hanged in the First Chimurenga War. Whom would I say I left the country with?).”

“This is unacceptable. This country shall not go back to the British. Zimbabwe will never be a colony again,” he said.

The source said South African president, Thabo Mbeki has tried to bring Mugabe to the table, with Tsvangirai, but the leader remains defiant.

“In actual fact, Mbeki has held more 'private talks' with Mugabe in which he called on the leader to accept defeat and step down. He also urged him to form a government of national unity, if the former was not conducive,” he said.

However, the South African media hinted the talks were on violence.

The source adds despite the fact that many 'ordinary' aides of his, no longer want him in power, Mugabe is using his uniformed forces heads- in which he pays them heavily.

“These are the same people who are 'thieves' and multiple farm owners. They just cannot watch their leader go because this will also mean the end to free food, fuel and looting,” he concluded.

Mugabe dissolved cabinet just before the March 29 elections, but it is surprising that some people are still being referred to as ministers, and make crucial decisions appearing on national radio and TV.

Independent political commentators say these illegal moves by Mugabe clearly reveal that the leader is making desperate moves so as to remain in power.

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