Zimbabwe shuts door on Western election observers

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's government will not invite observers from countries critical of President Robert Mugabe's rule to monitor a general election due later this month, a government official said.

The state-controlled Herald newspaper on Friday quoted Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi as telling diplomats in Harare that the government had selected 47 foreign observer teams, "on the basis of reciprocity, objectivity and impartiality in their relationship with Zimbabwe."

"Clearly, those who believe that the only free and fair election is where the opposition wins, have been excluded since the ruling party, ZANU-PF, is poised to score yet another triumph," Mumbengegwi said.

The southern African country -- in the middle of a severe economic and political crisis -- votes on March 29 in presidential, parliamentary and council elections.

The most important contest will be between Mugabe, who has ruled since independence from Britain in 1980, former ally Simba Makoni and old rival Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main wing of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

Critics say Mugabe has rigged elections since 2000 to cling to power. The veteran leader denies the charge.

The Herald said Russia was the only European country invited while 23 African and several Asian nations would also monitor the polls, along with teams from regional economic blocs.

Mumbengegwi said all diplomats, including those from the West, accredited to Zimbabwe on a full-time basis could observe the polls.

"Only those diplomats who are accredited on a full time basis -- and not those on temporary assignment -- and wish to observe the March elections, will be granted accreditation upon their request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," he said.

Zimbabwe's government frequently accuses Western countries, especially Britain and the United States, of plotting to unseat Mugabe, mainly over his seizure of white-owned farms for redistribution to blacks.

Analysts say an economic crisis marked by the highest inflation rate in the world at above 100,000 percent and shortages of food, fuel, and electricity had increased pressure on Mugabe but he could still claim victory against a divided opposition.

(Reporting by Nelson Banya; Editing by Matthew Tostevin)