Final push for votes in Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe state media predicted on Friday a crushing victory for President Robert Mugabe in weekend elections as his two main challengers made fresh allegations that the result may be rigged.

Citing an eve of poll survey by university researchers, the Herald daily said Mugabe was set to win 57 percent of votes on Saturday, thrashing his nearest challenger Morgan Tsvangirai by 30 percentage points.

The survey in the government mouthpiece ran contrary to the predictions of independent observers who believe the 84-year-old Mugabe who has led the former British colony since independence in 1980 will struggle to win a clear majority on Saturday and will then have to enter a run-off within three weeks.

With the three main candidates due to address rallies in and around Harare on the final day of campaigning, international monitors urged their supporters to remain calm after a build-up which has been largely devoid of violence.

Friday, AFP