Tsvangirai agrees to run-off

Updated 10.03 Sat May 10 2008

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai is ready to return to Zimbabwe to take part in a presidential election run-off.

Robert Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai have been in a tense political standoff with the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader insisting he won the March 29 elections outright.

"The MDC will contest the run-off. I am ready, and the people are ready for the final round" - Morgan Tsvangirai

The electoral commission said last week that Mr Tsvangirai had won the most votes but failed to win the simple majority required for a first-round victory, and so would have to face Mr Mugabe again in a runoff.

Mr Tsvangirai, who has been in South Africa since shortly after the elections, said: "The MDC will contest the run-off. I am ready, and the people are ready for the final round.

"The election should take place no later than May 24."

The MDC leader said full access for international observers and media was a pre-condition for his participation.

"We want unfettered access of all international observers. The ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) has totally discredited itself to a point now they are partisan to the (ruling) Zanu-PF. The reconstitution of ZEC is therefore paramount.

"Media access should be unfettered, both print and international media," he said.

Mr Mugabe has been accused of orchestrating violence against the opposition since the first round of voting, raising questions about whether a runoff would be free or fair.