Harare The run-off in Zimbabwe’s presidential election due this month was put off yesterday until as late as July, prompting the opposition to accuse President Mugabe of trying to buy time for a crackdown.

The country went to the polls on March 29 but results of the disputed vote were not released until May 2. They showed that Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition leader, beat Mr Mugabe but did not have enough votes to avoid a run-off that should have been held within 21 days of the results.

In a special government gazette published yesterday Patrick Chinamasa, the Justice Minister, said on behalf of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission: “The period within which a second election for the office of the president is hereby extended from 21 days to 90 days from the date of announcement of results of the first poll.”

An opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman said: “This is illegal and unfair. It is part of a programme to give Mugabe and Zanu (PF) time to torment and continue a campaign of violence on the MDC.” (Reuters)

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