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Zimbabwe names date for run-off | Zimbabwe names date for run-off |
(10 minutes later) | |
The second-round run-off in Zimbabwe's disputed presidential election will be held on 27 June, the government says. | The second-round run-off in Zimbabwe's disputed presidential election will be held on 27 June, the government says. |
The electoral commission's announcement was made in a government gazette. | The electoral commission's announcement was made in a government gazette. |
Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai beat President Robert Mugabe in the first round, but not by enough to avoid a run-off, according to official data. | Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai beat President Robert Mugabe in the first round, but not by enough to avoid a run-off, according to official data. |
Mr Tsvangirai says he will contest the second round, but accuses Mr Mugabe's party of a campaign of intimidation against potential opposition voters. | Mr Tsvangirai says he will contest the second round, but accuses Mr Mugabe's party of a campaign of intimidation against potential opposition voters. |
He had originally threatened to boycott the vote, because of what he said were opposition attempts to rig it, but last weekend said he would take part. | |
I can confirm that there are contacts [with Zanu-PF] and it's merely at exploration level as to what can be done Morgan Tsvangirai Diary: Living in limbo | |
Nonetheless, Mr Tsvangirai told the BBC that exploratory contacts were under way between his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and the ruling Zanu-PF on the option of a unity government. | |
Zimbabwe has been in political crisis since parliamentary and presidential elections on 29 March. | |
The run-off was due to be held by 23 May - 21 days after the results of the first round were announced - but the government then issued an emergency law allowing it 90 days to organise the new poll. | |
Mr Tsvangirai said that was a plot to allow the government to organise further intimidation. | |
'Military takeover' | |
Speaking to the BBC's Orla Guerin, Mr Tsvangirai said Zanu-PF had made "overtures" to the MDC about the possibility of a national unity government. | |
"I can confirm that there are contacts [with Zanu-PF] and it's merely at exploration as to what can be done," he said. | |
"Nothing concrete has been put in place, but on the sidelines there may be: 'Can we talk?' at a very minimum stage." | |
He added: "Every conflict ends up at the negotiating table. We are open to the idea, but it's certainly not a priority. | |
"It's not overtures from us, it's overtures from them. If you're approached you don't say: 'I don't want to talk.'" | |
Mr Tsvangirai told the BBC Mr Mugabe had lost control of the country and that the army was now in charge. | |
He said: "Mugabe may be the figurehead but the people who have taken over are the military." | |
Mr Tsvangirai has been out of Zimbabwe since the first-round vote because of alleged threats to his life. | |
But the MDC says he will return to address a rally in Bulawayo on Sunday. | |
Opposition and human rights groups have alleged a government campaign of abuses against MDC supporters. | |
The MDC says 35 people have been killed since the election and thousands displaced and tortured. | |
But Zanu-PF says there is no government campaign of intimidation and blames all the violence on the MDC. |