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Zimbabwe MDC says regional observers enough for run-off

JOHANNESBURG
Tue May 13, 2008 5:27am EDT
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, listens during a radio interview at the studio in Johannesburg in this April 17, 2008 file photo.REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The leader of Zimbabwe's main opposition group said on Tuesday he would contest a presidential run-off against veteran President Robert Mugabe even if only regional observers could be present.

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Morgan Tsvangirai had previously called for unfettered access for international observers, which the government rejected.

"At the moment the obligation is on (regional group) SADC. I am sure that they will fulfill their obligations, especially to send SADC peacekeepers and observers," Movement for Democratic Change leader Tsvangirai told Reuters in a telephone interview. "For us that is sufficient."

Asked how long he was willing to wait for a run-off, after electoral authorities said there would likely be a delay, he said:

"The thing is that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, if it has to extend the time of a run-off, it has to do so within a reasonable period. I'm sure that SADC will also be pressurizing them to set a date."

(Reporting by Caroline Drees; Editing by Matthew Tostevin)
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