The main opposition leader in Zimbabwe has said that if Robert Mugabe cannot agree at the negotiating table to surrender most of his powers, he should put the decision to his people in a new election, the main opposition leader said.

Zimbabwe’s opposition leader says he fears that President Robert Mugabe is preparing a “war against the people” in an attempt to hold on to power.

The spokesman for Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader was assaulted by security forces as he tried to leave the country, a party official said.

Zimbabwe’s main opposition MDC is meeting to decide how to press its claims that it was robbed of victory in this week's elections. Its total fell short of the 57 seats it won in the last parliamentary elections in 2000.

Zimbabwe's opposition is split over plans to give embattled President Robert Mugabe a dignified exit after 23 years in power.