Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has said he will contest a presidential run-off, despite fears of widespread poll violence.

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Official results from the 29 March poll put him ahead of President Robert Mugabe, but not with a sufficient margin to avoid a second round.

He had earlier said he had won outright and there was no need for a run-off.

On Saturday, Mr Tsvangirai told reporters in Pretoria said he wanted "unfettered access for all international observers" and foreign journalist covering the run-off.

Beatings

The first round election was largely peaceful, but the results were not announced until early May.

Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change says the delay gave the authorities time to rig the vote and carry out attacks on its supporters in anticipation of a run-off.

High-profile opponents have been rounded up and MDC activists have described beatings by government-backed militias.

Mr Tsvangirai won 47.9% of the vote in the first round, against 43.2% for Mr Mugabe.

No date has been announced for the run-off.

(BBC)

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