Melbourne, Apr.22 : Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has accused Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe of trying to steal the recent elections in his country to remain in power.

Endorsing Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai charge that Mugabe is attempting to cling to power by refusing to declare the results, Smith urged the African Union and the international community to maintain pressure on the "ruthless Mugabe regime" to ensure he could not get away with stealing power.

"It is now absolutely apparent that Mr. Mugabe will do anything to steal this election. It is quite clear that their so-called recount is nothing but a sham," news.com.au quoted Smith, as saying.

"A blatant attempt by Mr. Mugabe to either avoid a presidential run-off, or have a presidential run-off in which intimidation, threats, thuggery prevent the will of the Zimbabwean people," he concluded.

ANI