Zanu-PF rejects MDC run-off election demands

Zanu-PF wont consider conditions demanded by Tsvangirai for the run-off presidential elections

In a development set to compound Zimbabwe's political stalemate, the ruling Zanu-PF says conditions demanded by Movement for Democratic Change leader (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai for the run-off presidential election, will not be considered. This comes as the ruling party launched a direct attack on Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa for his apparent failure to criticise western enforced sanctions on the country's leadership.

Tsvangirai said he would only stand if international observers and media were given full access to ensure the vote is fair. Zimbabwe's government rejected any conditions for the run-off, but has previously allowed in SADC election monitors.

Tsvangirai said yesterday he would return home within two days to deal Mugabe a "final knock-out" after almost three decades in power. He said he wanted SADC peacekeepers to instil public confidence in the ballot and bring an end to the crisis that followed Zimbabwe's disputed March 29 poll.

State television said today police had arrested 58 MDC activists on suspicion of torching homes of ruling party supporters.

ANC very concerned at Zimbabwe situation
The ANC and its main allies today expressed "grave concern at the worsening situation" in Zimbabwe. The ANC has taken a much tougher stand on Zimbabwe than South African President Thabo Mbeki, who was unseated as ANC president by Jacob Zuma last year.

At a weekend meeting between the ANC and its alliance partners, Cosatu and the SACP, the Tripartite Alliance described Tsvangirai's decision to take part in his country's presidential run-off election as a positive move. The post-election impasse in Zimbabwe featured high on the agenda of the weekend's meeting between the ANC and its alliance partners, Cosatu and the SACP.

The alliance also called "for an end to all violence and harassment of the civilian population. We urge the leadership and the people of Zimbabwe assisted by SADC to work together to find a lasting solution to this crisis."

Yesterday, Tsvangirai said in Pretoria that he would return to Zimbabwe to contest the poll. However, SACP leader, Blade Nzimande, says they're still concerned about the escalating violence in Zimbabwe. He says it's likely to affect the conditions for a free and fair poll. - additional reporting by Reuters