Opposition parties slam Mugabe's popularity boast

Opposition parties yesterday angrily reacted to Zanu-PF leader President Robert Mugabe's claims that the majority of Zimbabweans did not want him to relinquish power but hang on despite his failing health and advanced age.

Mugabe (92) bragged during a Press conference in Japan on Tuesday that he was still popular, adding Zimbabweans would get angry if outsiders challenged him for overstaying in office.

The veteran politician has been Zimbabwe's sole leader since independence in 1980, although his successive electoral victories have been marred by allegations of massive rigging.