Mugabe says splits threaten Zanu-PF

[iolsa]

Zimbabwe's longtime president says splits and greed are threatening his party ahead of elections he is pushing for this year.

President Robert Mugabe told mourners Friday at a state funeral for a longtime party stalwart that leaders have become "too materialistic" and are fighting each other for top party posts ahead of elections he wants this year to end a shaky coalition with  Zimbabwe's former opposition.

The power-sharing coalition was brokered by regional leaders after violent and disputed elections in 2008.

Mugabe accused party factions of manipulating recent voting for provincial posts.

"We look forward to having an election. Let's get united," he said in a spirited 50-minute speech at the burial of a 74-year-old former guerrilla and party administrator. - Sapa-AP



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