MUGABE DISMISSES MDC POLL HOPES!

Robert Mugabe: Profile

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has told a rally in Harare ahead of next week's elections the main opposition party would not rule in his lifetime.
The 84-year-old, who is seeking a sixth term in office, also repeated threats against British-owned firms in Zimbabwe he accused of backing the opposition.
His main rivals are Morgan Tsvangirai, head of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), and ex-ally Simba Makoni.
Mr Mugabe has been in power since independence from Britain in 1980.
Analysts say the 29 March general election poses the biggest threat to his rule since he took office, but he dismissed the MDC's chances of office.

"It will never happen as long as we are still alive - those (of us) who planned the liberation struggle," Mr Mugabe told thousands of supporters at the rally in the capital.

Morgan Tsvangirai: Profile

He did not mention ex-Finance Minister Mr Makoni, who was expelled from the ruling Zanu-PF last month after announcing he would stand against Mr Mugabe as an independent.
Instead he focused on the main opposition party, saying: "You in the MDC, it's treasonous to continue assisting the British to make sure they have a say here."
The opposition of Mr Tsvangirai, who has said he fears next week's poll could be rigged, denies any direct links with the UK.
Mr Mugabe claimed Britain was supporting the MDC in a bid to stop the seizure and distribution of white-owned land to black Zimbabweans.
He continued: "[The British] still have companies here and we have not yet touched them.

Simba Makoni: Profile

"Four hundred British companies and so they must take care. After elections we will look into that."
The president claimed foreign businesses were hiking prices to turn voters against his government.
On Friday, five police officers in southern Zimbabwe were jailed for breaking regulations by allegedly expressing support for the MDC.
The officers were given two-week sentences for violating a law banning police from actively participating in Zimbabwean politics.
Economic crisis in the country has sent inflation past 100,000%, the world's highest, which has resulted in food, fuel, water shortages.

BBC NEWS REPORT.