War vets gun for new head of elections

Zanu-PF is demanding the resignation of the head of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, creating an early threat to newly agreed regulations.

Zim elections road map ignores security, financial land mines

An agreement on a new road map for elections in Zimbabwe could be derailed by Zanu-PF's refusal to yield on security reforms.

MDC says 50 killed in violent attacks

A month before a presidential election run-off, Zimbabwe's opposition said on Tuesday conditions were not conducive for a free and fair poll, but still expressed confidence it would oust Robert Mugabe. "As of yesterday [Monday], at least 50 of our supporters had been killed in violent attacks." the Movement for Democratic Change said.

Zimbabwe run-off poll set for June 27

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai will return to Zimbabwe on Saturday after spending more than a month out of the country following disputed elections, a party spokesperson said. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announced on Friday that the run-off presidential election will take place on June 27.

Zim opposition furious at run-off delay

Zimbabwe's opposition reacted furiously on Thursday to the prospect of a run-off poll being delayed until the end of July, accusing authorities of flouting the law to help President Robert Mugabe cling to power. The Movement for Democratic Change feared the delay would be used to intensify a campaign of violence and intimidation.

Zim presidential run-off vote delayed

Zimbabwe's run-off presidential election has been delayed and will now be held within 90 days of May 2, when official results of the disputed vote were released, Zimbabwe's government announced on Wednesday. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai beat President Mugabe in the presidential poll, but not by enough votes to avoid a run-off.

UN: Zim violence could reach 'crisis levels'

Levels of post-election violence in Zimbabwe are escalating and could reach crisis proportions, the United Nations senior representative in the country said on Tuesday. "These incidents of violence are occurring in communal farming and urban areas and there are indications that the level of violence is escalating," Agustino Zacarias said.

MDC to contest run-off against Mugabe

The leader of Zimbabwe's main opposition group said on Saturday he would contest a run-off against Robert Mugabe after disputed elections on March 29. But Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai said he would only participate in the run-off if international observers and media had full access to ensure the poll is free and fair.

Zim parties challenge results

Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change have contested half the results of the March 29 parliamentary election, state media said on Wednesday, extending a stalemate that has triggered widespread violence.

Arms ship unloads construction material

A Chinese ship loaded with arms destined for Zimbabwe has left Luanda, Angola, after unloading construction material, two trade union federations said on Tuesday. No attempt was made to unload any armaments, and the An Yue Jiang sailed after taking on fuel and food.

Zim observers question presidential results

An independent Zimbabwean election monitoring group expressed doubt on Tuesday over the credibility of the results of the presidential election and accused the ruling Zanu-PF party of attacking observers. The Zimbabwe Election Support Network was the first observer group to publicly question the results.

MDC says 24 killed as SA probes poll violence

Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said on Tuesday that four more of its members had been killed by supporters of President Robert Mugabe in nearly a month of post-election violence that is being investigated by South African officials.

Zim opposition in election run-off debate

Zimbabwe's opposition on Monday mulled whether to contest a presidential election run-off after winning the first round as President Robert Mugabe's camp began gearing up for the ballot. "We are still putting things together and when we are ready, we will get the press informed," George Sibotshiwe, a spokesperson for opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, said.

Mugabe to contest Zimbabwe run-off

Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe accepted that the opposition's Morgan Tsvangirai won more votes in the presidential election and will contest a run-off in a political battle that has raised fears of bloodshed. Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) cried foul after Zimbabwe's electoral body announced on Friday that he had won 47,9% of the vote

MDC rejects presidential vote tally

Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said on Friday it would reject results of a presidential election that would force a run-off against veteran ruler Robert Mugabe. Official data showed the MDC's Morgan Tsvangirai won 47,9% of the vote, beating Mugabe with 43,2%, but not enough to escape a second round contest with Mugabe.

Mbeki to brief religious leaders on Zimbabwe

President Thabo Mbeki was to brief a group of African religious leaders on the situation in Zimbabwe on Friday, his spokesperson said. The briefing would focus on his mediation efforts, but it "may touch on current issues", said Mukoni Ratshitanga.

Zim presidential poll recount complete

A partial recount of Zimbabwe's disputed presidential election has been completed and verification of the results by the candidates will start on Tuesday, an election official said on Monday. The month-long wait for results from the March 29 election has led to a tense political stand-off that has raised fears of bloodshed.

MDC to brief UN Security Council

Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) will take its claim of victory in last month's election over President Robert Mugabe to the United Nations Security Council this week. MDC secretary general Tendai Biti will lead a delegation to New York, where he will tell a Security Council session that the party is not prepared to partake in a presidential run-off.

US: MDC should lead any Zim unity govt

The United States' top diplomat for Africa said on Sunday any national unity government in Zimbabwe should be headed by opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who Washington believes won a March 29 election. Election officials said they hoped to compile statistics from the presidential election by Monday for verification by the candidates.

US: Put pressure on Zim for poll results

A top United States official urged African leaders on Sunday to put pressure on Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to release the results of the presidential election, insisting the opposition had won. The Southern Africa Development Community "should ensure that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission releases the results of the elections," said US Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer.

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