- Zimbabwean authorities have extended the deadline of the presidential poll run-off vote between President Robett Mugabe and the leader of opposition Movement for Democratic Change, Morgan Tsvangira, from 21 to 90 days.
This takes effect from the 2 March when the results were announced.
“The period conceded to organize the second round has been extended from 21 to 90 days,” said Justice Minister, Patrick Chinamasa.
Mr Chinamasa had confirmed the electoral commission Chairman's earlier fears tha due to "logistical and financial reasons," the run-off date might be moved. In the absence of foreign support, funds were raised locally to finance Zimbabwe's harmonised elections on 29 March.
The opposition's reaction to the delay was swift, with officials calling it "illegal and unjust." They said it was well-calculated to give more ample time to the ruling Zanu-PF party to extend its reign of terror against opposition activists.
Zanu-PF officials said they would launch the second round campaign as soon as the date has been confirmed by the commission. President Mugabe has expressed his readiness for the battle and that his party machinery is already working on the preparations.
Mr Tsvangirai has finally announced to return home to contest in the run-off poll. He had spent week dithering around the Southern Africa region, seeking support from regional leaders.
The government is accepting observers from the African Union, Southern African Development Community, Asian countries and a few selected European countries.
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