Coup tipped if Mugabe loses poll

Zimbabwe has received a large consignment of arms from China and recalled all reservists ahead of a general election on March 31, prompting fears the Army is planning to stage a coup in the event of a poll defeat for President Robert Mugabe.

The shipment includes assault rifles, military vehicles, riot equipment and teargas. Defence sources said the material would ensure the Army is well equipped in case Mugabe's Zanu-PF Party loses and needs military help to retain power.

Just before Zimbabwe's last presidential election in 2002, Army commanders warned the Army would stage a coup if Mugabe was voted out of power in favour of his opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai. Senior generals have since repeated these warnings.

But the military's ability to take power and keep order has been hit by a US and EU arms embargo to protest against the regime's use of the Army to crush dissent.
Sources say that Mugabe is also trying to entice the Chinese with mining and farming concessions in exchange for more arms.

Although Mugabe has beaten the Opposition into submission over the years and is likely to win the elections, sources say he is not taking any chances. Mugabe's own post is not up for election until 2008, but he would have to resign were he to lose parliamentary elections.

- INDEPENDENT