Mugabe scoffs at the 'level political field' myth

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has scoffed at criticism by political rivals that Zimbabwe's electoral system was still tilted in his favour, insisting the concept of an even playing field was a myth.

Mugabe's rivals say they have no hope of a fair crack at ending his three-decade long stay in power, arguing Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party controlled the electoral system as well as key institutions such as the state media and the security services.

Zimbabwe holds fresh elections later this year to end an uneasy coalition between Mugabe and Tsvangirai formed after violent but inconclusive elections in 2008.

Tsvangirai's MDC-T has pressed for political reforms which the party says are key to "levelling" political playing field heavily tilted in Mugabe's favour as well as ensure free and fair elections.

But speaking in a ZTV interview marking his 89th birthday Friday Mugabe, who has led the country since Independence in 1980, said the idea of an even playing field was a myth.

"They say the ground was uneven, asi ndekupi kwawakamboona even ground?" he said.

"Kana vanhu havasi even, vamwe havana experience ine vamwe, havana maideas ane vamwe, even pafundo makasiyana, pamaitiro takasiyana, even mapolicies, zvamunofunga imi nezvandinofunga ini takasiyana."

Mugabe lost the first round of the presidential elections in 2008 but retained power after Tsvangirai pulled out of the run-off vote claiming partisan elements in the security services had brutalised his supporters in a bid the keep the Zanu PF leader in office.

The coalition parties have been fighting over reforms expected to facilitate a free and fair ballot this year with the MDC-T accusing Zanu PF of blocking changes that would end Zanu PF's stranglehold over the state media.

The parties have however agreed changes to the electoral commission while a draft new constitution will also be put to a national referendum next month. Zanu PF has also ruled out security sector reforms demanded by the MDCs.