Tsvangirai courts the discontented

MDC supporters at a rally in rural Zimbabwe

By the BBC's Jon Leyne

In the last days before the election, Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has been dashing around the country spreading his message that it is time for a change.

Tsvangirai: Spreading the message

The first call of the day is to some of his supporters who have been attacked by thugs trying to further the government's cause.

One farmer lost five precious tonnes of maize in an arson attack.

Nearby, two young children had a lucky escape when their house was torched.

I asked Mr Tsvangirai how he thought the voters would respond.

"Well there is nothing these old men can do," he says.

"But it sends shockwaves through the community. How they're going to react one cannot determine."

Tales of intimidation

Young men are deeply affected by Zimbabwe's disastrous economy

In dusty, windswept nowhere places, the faithful are still turning out to rallies, patiently demonstrating their support for Mr Tsvangirai's party, the Movement for Democratic Change.

Almost everyone here has a tale to tell of political terror and intimidation.

They all have the same response. They are not going to be deterred from exercising their democratic right to vote.

Some of the worst affected are teachers, like Jimo Chisa.

"These combatants are coming threatening us with weapons," he says.

They are saying we should vote for Zanu -PF. But we're not prepared to vote for that. What we need is change

Jimo Chisa, teacher

"They are saying we should vote for Zanu -PF. But we're not prepared to vote for that. What we need is change."

There is an infectious enthusiasm. But some of the young men at the rally are the worst affected by the disastrous state of Zimbabwe's economy.

Voice of the people?

So Morgan Tsvangirai's challenge is to voice the popular discontent.

He has a very different view from President Robert Mugabe over what really matters to his audience.

President-in-waiting? Mr Tsvangirai has a simple style

"Poverty, unemployment, economic decline. They' re economic issues."

Back at his rural home, they are cooking up for the night's party.

Despite his position, there is still no electricity, telephone or even running water in the village - a simple style for a man who could be the next president.