Harare - President Robert Mugabe launched his re-election campaign on Friday with a warning to a 15-member southern African regional bloc, that Zimbabwe could withdraw amid demands for a free and fair vote.
"Let it be known that we are in SADC [the Southern African Development Community] voluntarily. If SADC decides to do stupid things, let it be known that we can withdraw from SADC," he told a rally.
The regional bloc, had pressed Mugabe to roll back his decision to hold elections on 31 July, in order to allow time for reforms to the electoral roll and that would limit the military's role in politics.
Zimbabwe's constitutional court ruled on Thursday that the election would go ahead, despite Mugabe's request for a two-week delay.
But far from being bowed, a defiant Mugabe on Friday issued a fiery rallying call to supporters, as he endeavours to extend his 33-year rule.
"You are our soldiers. You have a battle to fight. Go into the battle well-armed.
"Go into the battle with the full knowledge that there is a political enemy. This is a do or die struggle. You are not just alone. Your victory will be our victory and your defeat, alas, will also be our defeat."
"We want to succeed. We need a political life."
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