Polls show Zimbabwe divisions

Few Zimbabweans bothered to vote

Both the opposition Movement for Democratic Change and the ruling Zanu-PF parties are claiming victory after last weekend's elections.

The MDC won six out of seven mayoral contests and more council seats nationwide, while Zanu-PF won 10 town councils, against nine for the MDC.

They also won one parliamentary by-election each as President Robert Mugabe retained his support in the north and east, while the MDC did well in its strongholds in the big cities and the south-western provinces of Matabeleland.

However, turnout was low - about 30% in the local elections and just 11% in the Harare Central parliamentary by-election.

The United States has said the poll showed a "a degree of improvement" over previous polls, as there had been less violence.

MDC GAINS Bulawayo Chitungwiza Gwanda Gweru Hwanga Kariba Masvingo Mutare Redcliffe Victoria Falls

However state department spokesman Richard Boucher noted that opposition candidates in at least three areas were prevented from filing their nomination papers and so were unable to stand.

Observers say most people are preoccupied by more urgent necessities - such as queuing for essential commodities.

The MDC victory in Harare Central is viewed as significant because it prevented the ruling party from gaining a sufficient majority in parliament to change the constitution.

The ruling Zanu-PF retained its seat in the rural north-eastern Makonde constituency.

Zanu-PF spokesman Nathan Shamuyarira told the BBC that his party had polled well, including in urban areas, which, he said, exploded the myth that his party lacked urban support.

Warning drums

Nationwide, the MDC won 135 council seats, against 133 for Zanu-PF.

The opposition took all seats in Zimbabwe's second city, Bulawayo - with opposition supporters going on the streets to celebrate.

ZANU-PF VICTORIES Bindura Chegutu Kadoma Karoi Kwekwe Marondera Norton Rusape Ruwa Shurugwi

However, correspondents say that most powers remain with the Zanu-PF-controlled ministry of local government.

The state-controlled election commission said both the government and the opposition complained of intimidation during the weekend polling.

Ruling party militants armed with stones and iron bars beat a traditional warning on drums outside polling stations in Norton, 40km west of the capital, Harare, reports AP news agency.

MDC spokesman Paul Themba Nyathi, said the low turn-out reflected a sense of hopelessness and a feeling that politics was unable to solve ordinary people's problems.

No monitors

The MDC accused the ruling party of tampering with voters' lists and intimidating would-be opposition candidates - charges Zanu-PF denies.

It said its Harare Central candidate, Zwizwai Murisi, had been assaulted inside police barracks by supporters of President Robert Mugabe.

The elections were not monitored by any independent body.

Zimbabwe's last national elections, which returned Mr Mugabe to power, were internationally condemned as flawed and undemocratic.

Since then, sanctions have been imposed on the regime, but the government has continued to run the country in its own way and blames its problems on an antagonistic international community.

Inflation has reached record levels of around 400%, ordinary Zimbabweans are suffering terrible economic hardship, and millions are now reliant on food aid for their daily survival.