British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Australian Prime Minister John Howard were accused of being racists today in a bitter attack by Zimbabwean officials.

Zimbabwe has lodged a complaint with President Thabo Mbeki’s government over what it called “the relentless demonisation” of President Robert Mugabe by the South African press.

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe today boycotted talks in Nigeria where Commonwealth sanctions against his troubled nations were being discussed.

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe announced his new Cabinet yesterday, firing the moderate finance minister but keeping hardliners who have spearheaded harsh media controls and seizures of white-owned farms in Zimbabwe.

A member of Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe’s regime tonight left Britain, less than 24 hours after he was detained and faced deportation.

Military helicopters hovered over Harare today as Zimbabwean police prepared for protests against President Robert Mugabe ahead of the opening of parliament.

In a showdown with the judiciary, the Zimbabwe government is to defy a judge’s order to jail the justice minister.

In a showdown with the judiciary, the Zimbabwe government is to defy a judge’s order to jail the justice minister.

Zimbabwe’s white farmers were branded racists and fascists by a government minister today who urged tough action against those who are defying an order to stop working their fields.

Several banks and businesses closed today in support of a nationwide strike called to protest at irregularities in Zimbabwe’s widely condemned presidential election.

Zimbabwe’s presidential elections slid into chaos today as the government appeared to defy an order extending voting, two senior opposition officials were arrested, and state-run media accused Britain and America of preparing ‘‘a major military offensive’’.

Polling stations could remain open into the night in a bid to deal with the huge queues of voters in the Zimbabwean presidential elections, officials said today.

Tanzania’s president today launched an angry attack against attempts by Western nations to suspend Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth.

Zimbabwe today condemned EU sanctions and accused Europe of orchestrating ‘‘hostile action’’ to influence elections early next month.

The leader of the Zimbabwe journalists union - the first prominent government critic arrested under new security laws - was freed today after the state withdrew charges against him, his lawyer said.

A mob of 500 ruling party militants randomly beat whites on the streets of Zimbabwe’s second city, Bulawayo, today and firebombed the local offices of the main opposition party.

The leader of Zimbabwe’s main opposition party today said he feared President Robert Mugabe would use the killing of a ruling party militant to crack down on the opposition.

Zimbabwe plans to ban independent monitors ahead of presidential elections expected early next year.

A series of blasts rocked the printing works of Zimbabwe’s main independent newspaper today, wrecking its printing press and possibly putting the fierce government critic out of action for weeks.