Morgan Tsvangirai Sizes Up Zimbabwe Elections
Zimbabwean MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai addresses a press conference on June 10.
In a wide-ranging interview, Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai — president of the Movement for Democratic Change Party — speaks with Farai Chideya about the upcoming presidential runoff election, the country's state of affairs, and Robert Mugabe's leadership.
President Mugabe and his party have held power since the country gained independence in 1980. Tsvangirai has been his main challenger in this latest election.
A presidential runoff election is scheduled in two weeks. Nothing about the country's election process has been simple:
The government said the first round of elections in March didn't produce a majority. Since runoff plans were announced, locals have been beaten or killed in election-related violence, international reporters and diplomats have been detained or expelled, and food aid for malnourished people has reportedly been confiscated by the government.
Tsvangirai has faced threats and government detention during his campaigning. Chideya spoke with him shortly before his most recent detention.
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