Zimbabwe's Mugabe, 89, sworn in for 5 more years

[August 22, 2013]  HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) -- President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has been sworn in for another five-year term after disputed elections in which the opposition alleged widespread vote-rigging.

Mugabe, 89, took the oath of office on Thursday at a 60,000-seat sports stadium, which was filled almost to capacity. Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku bedecked him with a green, red, black and gold presidential sash and the gold chain of office.

Mugabe, who led Zimbabwe to independence in 1980, signed a declaration pledging to protect the rights of the people.

The main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, said in a statement that it would not attend the event, calling it "a robber's party."

Zimbabwe's state election panel said Mugabe won a landslide victory in the July 31 elections.

[Associated Press]

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