Wednesday, April 30, 2008

ITN - Wednesday, April 30 05:44 pm

Election Run-off Coming to Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe presidential elections are set for a run-off between Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, according to senior government sources.

The move comes after Mr Tsvangirai won 47 percent of the vote and Robert Mugabe captured 43 percent.

According to sources a run-off would be needed because Mr Tsvangirai did not win enough votes for an outright victory.

The wait for the March 29 election result has led to a tense stand-off and drawn accusations from Mr Tsvangirai and his opposition Movement for Democratic Change party that Mr Mugabe, 84, is trying to rig the outcome following three decades in power.

Mr Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party has already lost control of parliament and Western powers are likely to pour in aid and investment to the country which is suffering from economic turmoil if victory goes to Mr Tsvangirai.

Severe food, fuel and foreign currency shortages are worsening and there are no signs an inflation rate of 165,000 per cent - the world's highest - will ease.

With recounts in five remaining constituencies completed, candidates, their proxies and observers will compare official Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) figures with those compiled themselves from polling stations.

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