Zimbabwe Oppn leader says he will contest runoff

Morgan Tsvangirai, addressing reporters in South Africa, said his supporters would feel “betrayed” if he did not face Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in the runoff.

“I am ready, the people are ready,” he said.

“I intend to return as shortly as possible and intend to begin a victory tour,” he said.

Tsvangirai had said previously he won the first round outright and that official figures showing a second round was necessary were fraudulent. Opposition officials and independent human rights activist have accused Mugabe of orchestrating violence against the opposition since the first round on March 29.

The violence, and the need to try to rally support, have kept Tsvangirai and other top opposition figures out of Zimbabwe since the first round.

Observers inside and outside Zimbabwe have questioned whether a second round could be free and fair with the opposition unable to campaign freely because of attacks and threats.

Mugabe’s ruling ZANU-PF, meanwhile, has already launched its runoff campaign. L:ast week, the police had cracked down on the opposition.