Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai says he will not take
part in Friday's presidential run-off poll because of escalating
violence against his supporters.
Speaking to reporters in Harare on Sunday, Mr.
Tsvangirai said his Movement for Democratic Change cannot ask
supporters to vote when, in his words, that vote would cost them their
lives.
He rejected the election as a "violent, illegitimate sham," and accused
backers of President Robert Mugabe of killing 86 MDC supporters in
recent weeks.
There was no immediate reaction from Mr. Mugabe but Zimbabwe's Justice
Minister Patrick Chinamasa said Mr. Tsvangirai withdrew because he
faced certain defeat.
Officials are also saying the run-off will go ahead as planned unless
Mr. Tsvangirai officially notifies the electoral commission that he is
dropping out.
Mr. Tsvangirai said he will announce his next moves on Wednesday.