Zimbabwe’s ruling party and the opposition resumed talks today aimed at resolving the country’s violent political crisis, an official said.

Zimbabwe holds its one-candidate presidential run-off today with President Robert Mugabe expected to orchestrate a mass turnout of voters in a show of strength designed to emphasise his hold on power.

President Robert Mugabe’s government has its own presidential election results showing a run-off will be necessary, a Cabinet minister says.

Political rallies were banned in Zimbabwe from today as the country’s crisis deepened.

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s government raided the offices of the main opposition movement and rounded up foreign journalists tonight in an ominous indication that he may use intimidation and violence to keep his grip on power.