Mugabe tightens grip on party

Mr Mugabe told to stay on "until land issue is resolved"

A special Congress of Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party on Friday reaffirmed its support for the embattled President, Robert Mugabe.

In his closing address Mr Mugabe, 76, vowed to push through with his controversial land resettlement by next year.

Mr Mugabe also appointed several new members to the Politburo, the ruling party's main decision making body, further consolidating his position.

He accused some unnamed members of the party hierarchy of being arrogant.

This,

Don't worry about the British, don't worry about the threats we have had during the year. We will get the land back

President Mugabe

he said, had done the party no good, apparently referring to Zanu-PF's near defeat in parliamentary elections in June. Humility, he advised, cost nothing.

The BBC's Grant Ferrett in Harare says a possible target of Mr Mugabe's criticism was the powerful former cabinet minister, Eddison Zvobgo, the most senior casualty of the reshuffle of the Politburo.

Among the new faces introduced to the ruing body are the Information Minister, Jonathan Moyo, a fierce opponent of the government until 18 months ago and the Finance Minister, Simba Makoni.

Both are widely believed to be manoeuvring for the presidency should Mr Mugabe decide not to stand for another term of office, after his 20 years in power.

Mr Mugabe, who successfully prevented any attempt to question his leadership, made no mention of stepping down before the presidential election in 2002.

Land ownership

Supporters cheered wildly when Vice-President Simon Muzenda asked Mr Mugabe not to step down.

Latest opinion poll

74% Mugabe should step down

15% Mugabe for president

41% Tsvangirai for president

6% believe land the most important issue

Source: Helen Suzman Foundation

A report by the state media said President Mugabe was asked to stay on as the ruling party's leader until "the land issue has been resolved".

"Don't worry about the British, don't worry about the threats we have had during the year. We will get the land back," Mr Mugabe responded.

"I will not let you down. The struggle must be won," he told the nearly 5,000 cheering supporters, adding that "next year must close the land chapter and see the people as owners of their land and not as semi-slaves and serfs".

Strong challenge

Most people in Zimbabwe believe that should Mr Mugabe stand for presidency in 2002, he would face a strong challenge from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

A recent independent opinion poll in Zimbabwe showed 74% thought President Mugabe should step down while 56% thought he should be made to step down.