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Three Zimbabweans to contest poll Three Zimbabweans to contest poll
(28 minutes later)
Three presidential candidates in Zimbabwe's 29 March elections have submitted their nominations papers.Three presidential candidates in Zimbabwe's 29 March elections have submitted their nominations papers.
The papers for President Robert Mugabe and leader of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change faction, Morgan Tsvangirai, were filed by aides.The papers for President Robert Mugabe and leader of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change faction, Morgan Tsvangirai, were filed by aides.
Ex-Finance Minister Simba Makoni, who is standing as an independent, filed his in person, AFP news agency says.Ex-Finance Minister Simba Makoni, who is standing as an independent, filed his in person, AFP news agency says.
Friday is the deadline for nominations. It is not clear if Arthur Mutambara, the other MDC leader, will stand. The other MDC leader, Arthur Mutambara, has announced that he will back Mr Makoni's bid for the presidency.
Correspondents say he is due to give a press conference later on Friday. Political parties must submit their lists of candidates for March's presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of Friday.
There has been speculation that he might throw his weight behind Mr Makoni.
EconomyEconomy
Mr Makoni was expelled by the ruling Zanu-PF party after he announced his candidacy last week.Mr Makoni was expelled by the ruling Zanu-PF party after he announced his candidacy last week.
We're very confident of victory, 99.9% confident" Zanu-PF's Emmerson MnangagwaWe're very confident of victory, 99.9% confident" Zanu-PF's Emmerson Mnangagwa
At his manifesto launch he described Zimbabwe as a "a sad nation, full of fear... a polarised nation in deep stress, and one characterised by disease and extreme poverty".At his manifesto launch he described Zimbabwe as a "a sad nation, full of fear... a polarised nation in deep stress, and one characterised by disease and extreme poverty".
He said that defined the work to be done and he would start a process of reconciliation.He said that defined the work to be done and he would start a process of reconciliation.
Earlier this week, Mr Tsvangirai confirmed his faction would contest in the polls, despite what he called an uneven playing field.Earlier this week, Mr Tsvangirai confirmed his faction would contest in the polls, despite what he called an uneven playing field.
The MDC had been calling for a new constitution before the elections.The MDC had been calling for a new constitution before the elections.
Previous ones have been characterised by violence and allegations of fraud.Previous ones have been characterised by violence and allegations of fraud.
Mr Tsvangirai also welcomed Mr Makoni to the opposition ranks, but pointed out that the former finance minister had been a member of Zanu-PF's politburo while the Zimbabwean economy had been destroyed.Mr Tsvangirai also welcomed Mr Makoni to the opposition ranks, but pointed out that the former finance minister had been a member of Zanu-PF's politburo while the Zimbabwean economy had been destroyed.
The country has the world's highest inflation rate - 66,000% - and only an estimated one adult in five has a job.The country has the world's highest inflation rate - 66,000% - and only an estimated one adult in five has a job.
Mr Mugabe, who turns 84 next week, is seeking a sixth term in office and told state media this week he is "raring to go" in the polls.Mr Mugabe, who turns 84 next week, is seeking a sixth term in office and told state media this week he is "raring to go" in the polls.
"We're very confident of victory, 99.9% confident," Emmerson Mnangagwa, the rural affairs minister, is quoted by Reuters news agency as saying after filing Mr Mugabe's papers."We're very confident of victory, 99.9% confident," Emmerson Mnangagwa, the rural affairs minister, is quoted by Reuters news agency as saying after filing Mr Mugabe's papers.