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Mugabe: Brit Bribes Swayed Election

'We are being bought like livestock,' Zimbabwean leader says

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2008 9:02 AM CDT

(Newser) – In his first speech since his maybe-final election defeat, Robert Mugabe accused Britain of bribing Zimbabwe’s voters, Reuters reports. “Down with the British. Down with the thieves who want to steal our country,” he told a cheering crowd of 15,000. Britain’s Gordon Brown has been among Mugabe’s loudest international critics, demanding the president release results from the March 29 election.

Mugabe, who has long cast London as his opponent, spoke to commemorate Zimbabwe’s independence from British rule. “Today they have perfected their tactics… by using money literally to buy some people to turn against their government,” he said. “We are being bought like livestock.” Mugabe has acknowledged that he got fewer votes in the election, but says his opponent didn’t win by enough to prevent a runoff.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe greets children at a children's party in Harare, Thursday, April, 17, 2008. (AP Photo/str)

Zimbabweans demonstrate outside the Zimbabwe embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday April 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe greets children at a children's party in Harare, Thursday, April 17, 2008. (AP Photo/str)

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe greets children at a children's party in Harare, Thursday, April, 17, 2008. (AP Photo/str)

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Mugabe: Brit Bribes Swayed Election

'We are being bought like livestock,' Zimbabwean leader says

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Mugabe: Brit Bribes Swayed Election

'We are being bought like livestock,' Zimbabwean leader says

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Gordon Brown • Britain • Zimbabwe elections

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

South African Prez to Plead With Mugabe to Save Race

Results of uncontested race should be ignored, Britain insists

Mugabe Targets Opposition— in Britain, Too

Zimbabwean agents harass dissidents raising funds

Zuma in London for Zimbabwe Talks

South African leader takes harder line on Mugabe

Mugabe Rival Accused of Treason

Dangerous new stakes in controversial election

Mugabe Didn't Win: Brown

British PM says 'stolen election would not be an election at all' in Zimbabwe

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Newser By Users

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