Confusion increases over Zimbabwe election

24 Apr, 2008

Uncertainty increased in Zimbabwe on Wednesday over a disputed election as pressure intensified for results to be announced from a presidential vote more than three weeks ago.
Former colonial power Britain called for an arms embargo on Zimbabwe while analysts dismissed as unlikely a proposal that President Robert Mugabe should lead a unity government until new polls. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he would propose an arms embargo, joining calls by South Africa's Anglican church leader and Amnesty International. Brown repeated British accusations that Mugabe was trying to rig the elections and said this was "completely unacceptable".
Pro-government commentator Obediah Mukura Mazombwe introduced new uncertainty by suggesting Mugabe should lead a transitional government to end the deadlock while new elections were organised.
No results have been announced from a March 29 presidential vote which the opposition says it won, while the outcome of a parliamentary poll is also in doubt because of partial recounts. Officials said the first of 23 recounts had confirmed victory in one constituency for the ruling ZANU-PF party, which lost control of parliament for the first time in the election.

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