Days before the presidential election, Zimbabwe’s state radio accused opposition officials Monday of offering to bribe a military commander to back the ouster of President Robert Mugabe.
Leaders of the Movement for Democratic Change denied the allegations, saying they are part of a smear campaign by Mugabe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF.
“It is rubbish. We are busy with the election. We have no time for ZANU-PF drama,” an opposition spokesman said.
The allegations came as Britain and its former colonies deferred until after elections a decision on suspending Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth for government-sponsored violence against the opposition.
Mugabe’s main rival in this weekend’s election is MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
According to allegations Monday, three opposition lawmakers offered Air Vice Marshal Perence Shiri the equivalent of $50,000 for his help in pacifying the security forces in the event of Mugabe’s removal.
