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Zimbabwe polls on March 29

HARARE: President Robert Mugabe has set crucial national elections for March 29, according to a presidential proclamation.

The proclamation was published by the state printer in Harare, though it was not publicised by the state broadcaster, the country’s sole radio and television station, in its daytime news bulletins on Friday. The proclamation also dissolved Parliament, which was already in recess and not due to reconvene until April, in preparation for the vote.

There was no immediate reaction from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, which had pressed for elections to be delayed until June.

The opposition has demanded more constitutional and electoral reforms before the election, and said polling should be delayed to allow for its demands to be met. Mr. Mugabe, though, had insisted national elections are to take place by the end of March.

Skirmishes between the opposition and police earlier this week had increased fears there would be little chance of free and fair campaigning ahead of voting. — AP

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