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Zimbabwe party backs ex-minister Zimbabwe party backs ex-minister
(about 3 hours later)
One of Zimbabwe's two main opposition factions has backed former Finance Minister Simba Makoni for the 29 March presidential elections.One of Zimbabwe's two main opposition factions has backed former Finance Minister Simba Makoni for the 29 March presidential elections.
Faction leader Arthur Mutambara endorsed Simba Makoni, saying he had "shown courage, by standing up to" President Robert Mugabe.Faction leader Arthur Mutambara endorsed Simba Makoni, saying he had "shown courage, by standing up to" President Robert Mugabe.
Mr Mugabe is seeking re-election, while veteran opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai also filed his papers.Mr Mugabe is seeking re-election, while veteran opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai also filed his papers.
A BBC correspondent says the news will boost Mr Makoni's campaign.A BBC correspondent says the news will boost Mr Makoni's campaign.
Political parties must submit their lists of candidates for March's presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of Friday.Political parties must submit their lists of candidates for March's presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of Friday.
EconomyEconomy
Mr Mutambara and his supporters are backing Mr Makoni's presidential challenge, but the MDC Mutambara grouping will field their own candidates in the parliamentary, senate and local elections.Mr Mutambara and his supporters are backing Mr Makoni's presidential challenge, but the MDC Mutambara grouping will field their own candidates in the parliamentary, senate and local elections.
We're very confident of victory, 99.9% confident" Zanu-PF's Emmerson Mnangagwa 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 Mnangagwa Mr Makoni was expelled by the ruling Zanu-PF party after he announced his candidacy last week.
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 an "uneven playing field".Earlier this week, Mr Tsvangirai confirmed his faction would contest in the polls, despite 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 polls have been characterised by violence and allegations of fraud.Previous polls 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.
The BBC's Peter Biles says Mr Mugabe is certain to secure votes in many rural areas.The BBC's Peter Biles says Mr Mugabe is certain to secure votes in many rural areas.
Mr Tsvangirai has support in urban centres and Mr Makoni's backing is - as yet - untested, he says.Mr Tsvangirai has support in urban centres and Mr Makoni's backing is - as yet - untested, he says.