Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has returned home to begin his presidential run-off campaign, after spending weeks abroad.
Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has returned to Harare to begin his presidential run-off campaign, after spending weeks abroad.
The Movement for Democratic Change leader touched down in Harare from neighbouring South Africa ahead of the election scheduled for 27 June.
AFP reported the Movement for Democratic Change leader as saying "it's good to be back" after touching down from neighbouring South Africa.
Mr Tsvangirai's scheduled return last weekend was delayed amid allegations the army planned to assassinate him.
Mr Tsvangirai's scheduled return last weekend was delayed amid allegations the army planned to assassinate him.
The ruling party rejected the MDC claims as a fantasy.
The ruling party rejected the MDC claims as a fantasy.
The presidential election run-off is scheduled to take place despite warnings that election violence makes a fair second round impossible.
The presidential election run-off is scheduled to take place on 27 June despite warnings that election violence makes a fair second round impossible.
Police assault
Police assault
Opposition and human rights groups have said hundreds of opposition supporters have been beaten up and at least 40 killed since the first round on 29 March.
Opposition and human rights groups have said hundreds of opposition supporters have been beaten up and at least 40 killed since the first round on 29 March.
ZIMBABWE ELECTIONS TIMELINE 29 March: Elections mean Zanu-PF party loses majority for the first time since independence in 198019 April: Election officials begin recounting votes cast in the disputed polls3 May: Official results of presidential election show Morgan Tsvangirai won but fell short of the 50% needed to win completely.17 May: MDC alleges military plot to assassinate Morgan Tsvangirai24 May: Morgan Tsvangirai returns to Zimbabwe27 June: Scheduled presidential election run-off
ZIMBABWE ELECTIONS TIMELINE 29 March: Elections mean Zanu-PF party loses majority for the first time since independence in 198019 April: Election officials begin recounting votes cast in the disputed polls3 May: Official results of presidential election show Morgan Tsvangirai won but fell short of the 50% needed to win completely.17 May: MDC alleges military plot to assassinate Morgan Tsvangirai24 May: Morgan Tsvangirai returns to Zimbabwe27 June: Scheduled presidential election run-off
Mr Tsvangirai's first scheduled stop in Harare is at a private clinic to meet victims of political violence, says the BBC's Peter Biles in Johannesburg.
Hospitals have been struggling to cope with admissions, our correspondent says, as a result of what is widely perceived to be a government campaign of intimidation against MDC supporters.
President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party denies supporting violence and says the West is trying to demonise Zimbabwe.
President Robert Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party denies supporting violence and says the West is trying to demonise Zimbabwe.
Last year, Mr Tsvangirai was treated in hospital after being assaulted by police.
Last year, Mr Tsvangirai was treated in hospital after being assaulted by police.
Mr Mugabe has accused the MDC of fomenting violence since the disputed first round election.
Mr Mugabe has accused the MDC of fomenting violence since the disputed first round election.
Mr Tsvangirai has spent nearly two months outside Zimbabwe, mainly in South Africa, since the first round trying to drum up international support.
Mr Tsvangirai has spent nearly two months outside Zimbabwe, mainly in South Africa, since the first round trying to drum up international support.
According to official results, the MDC leader won the presidential poll, but not by enough to avoid a run-off with President Mugabe.
According to official results, the MDC leader won the presidential poll, but not by enough to avoid a run-off with President Mugabe.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said Mr Tsvangirai won 47.9% of the vote, with Mr Mugabe taking 43.2%.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said Mr Tsvangirai won 47.9% of the vote, with Mr Mugabe taking 43.2%.
Are you in Zimbabwe? Have you been affected by any of the issues in this story? Send us your comments using the form below.
Are you in Zimbabwe? Have you been affected by any of the issues in this story? Send us your comments using the form below.
