Mugabe slapped down by his own party.

Africa: Its a start.

Speculation is growing that Robert Mugabe's days in power are numbered after he suffered a defeat at the hands of his own party. Zimbabwe's leader wanted to extend his term in office by two years before facing another election. He had suggested the presidential election, due next year, should be delayed until 2010 to coincide with a parliamentary vote. But after opposition from members of his Zanu-PF ruling party, the former guerilla leader, 83, appears to have backed down. Mugabe told a meeting of the party's women's league there was growing consensus in the party to hold both elections next year, and the issue would be discussed at a meeting of the central committee, the state Herald newspaper - a mouthpiece of the government - reported. He said: "I think the view is that 2008 is preferable. Some of our lawyers are saying this will not give problems. "If we are going to have an election (next year), we must start organising and mobilising support now, now, now." The central committee meeting could be a test of the support for Mugabe following growing signs of rifts within his party.