Tensions over Zimbabwe vote

Tensions over Zimbabwe vote

Political tension has risen since last week's strike

Polling has begun in two by-elections in Zimbabwe, with voters complaining of intimidation by militants from the Zanu-PF party of President Robert Mugabe

Zanu-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change have exchanged allegations of violence during campaigning which human rights groups say has left hundreds of people injured.

More than 500 people stood in line at one polling booth in Harare an hour after it opened, complaining that ruling party supporters were jumping the queue.

"Zanu-PF youths are milling around at the gate asking people about their party affiliations and generally being intimidating," said one man.

The opposition MDC has accused Mr Mugabe's party of planning to rig elections in the two constituencies, which were won overwhelmingly by the opposition at the last general election.

It alleges that up to 19,000 extra voters have been registered improperly to boost support for Zanu-PF.

EU has complained of unprecedented violence against the opposition

On Friday, the European Union condemned "unprecedented government-sponsored violence" against the opposition in Zimbabwe.

It accused President Mugabe's government of arbitrarily detaining and torturing hundreds of opponents.

It also said the Zimbabwean people had a constitutional right to protest peacefully and called on the government to respect that right.

Deadline to stop harassment

Tension is rising in Zimbabwe following an anti-government strike last week.

And the MDC has issued an end-of-the-month deadline for President Mugabe to stop the alleged harassment.

The opposition has accused the authorities of trying to prevent the area's genuine residents from voting by distributing rare commodities such as sugar, maize meal and cooking oil stained with indelible ink.

In order to prevent people voting more than once, voters has required to dip their finger in indelible ink when they cast their ballots.

Anyone with indelible ink already on their hands is not allowed to vote.

'Arrest MDC leader' call

One of the parliamentary seats at stake in the by-elections came vacant when the sitting MP died in police custody.

A leader of the pro-government militants who have been occupying farms is one of the candidates for his seat.

At the same time, the government is seeking the arrest of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on charges of causing civil unrest.

He is currently on trial for plotting to assassinate President Mugabe - a charge he denies - but is free on bail.

Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi accused Mr Tsvangirai of using his freedom to incite violence against the government and he urged the judiciary to detain him.