Tsvangirai still keen on grand coalition

Movement for Democratic Change leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai is still trying to court other political parties to form an alliance with less than 10 days before the elections.

Addressing his party's supporters at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru yesterday, Mr Tsvangirai said there was no point for the opposition to split its vote when they were all working to unseat President Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party.

"Those whom we started the party with, if they want to help us save Zimbabwe and its children from the muddy situation caused by Mugabe, are free to join us. We don't want to give excuses this time for failing to win the election."

He was apparently referring to MDC leader Professor Welshman Ncube and Zapu leader Ndumiso Dabengwa who refused to join his coalition with Dr Simba Makoni's Mavambo/Dawn/Kusile and Mr Rekai Semwayo who has been disowned by Zanu (Ndonga).

The MDC-T leader challenged President Mugabe and other presidential candidates to a public debate on national television ZTV.

He said he wanted to prove that he was not afraid of the election to the nation on television.

Mr Tsvangirai was accompanied by his wife Elizabeth and the MDK leader, Dr Simba Makoni.