‘Go hang,’ Mugabe tells election critics

via ‘Go hang,’ says Mugabe to election critics | News | Africa | Mail & Guardian.  12 AUG 2013 13:45 AFP

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe said those upset by his disputed landslide election victory could “go hang”.

The 89-year-old vowed never to let go of his victory as his opponent Morgan Tsvangirai lodged a petition in court challenging the election outcome.

“Those who were hurt by defeat can go hang if they so wish,” Mugabe told thousands at a rally to honour heroes of the country’s liberation wars.

“Never will we go back on our victory.”

Mugabe was declared winner of the July 31 election with 61% of the vote against Tsvangirai’s 34%.

Tsvangirai’s lawyers on Friday filed a petition at the Constitutional Court challenging the vote, which extended Mugabe’s 33-year rule by another five years.

“We are delivering democracy on a platter. We say take it or leave it, but the people have delivered democracy,” Mugabe said.

Mugabe also said that if critics could not accept the official election results “you can commit suicide”.

He called on his rivals as well as Western nations to accept the results.

“Those who can’t stomach the defeat, you can commit suicide,” Mugabe said. – AFP, Sapa-dpa

The same story is reported elsewhere today:

Robert Mugabe tells opposition to ‘go hang’ – ITV News.

‘Go hang’ Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe tells defeated foe | NDTV.com.

Mugabe tells Tsvangirai to ‘go hang’ – Times LIVE.

Mugabe Tells Tsvangirai ‘Go Hang’ in First Speech After Poll Victory – Voice of America | Zimbabwe.