Mugabe agrees to free and fair elections

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe says he will ensure March's presidential elections are free and fair.

He also agreed to allow international observers and journalists to witness them.

Mr Mugabe's reassurances were contained in a declaration issued at the end of a summit of southern African leaders in Malawi.

Mr Mugabe also undertook to ensure recent incidences of political violence are "fully and impartially" investigated.

The declaration issued by the 14-nation Southern African Development Community stated he will work with the opposition to restore peace.

Instability in Zimbabwe could hit all of southern Africa, and the meeting was seen as one of the last opportunities for regional leaders to reign in Mugabe ahead of the elections.

Regional leaders are worried that continued instability in Zimbabwe could frighten off foreign investors, and leaders are also worried about an influx of refugees if the situation deteriorates.

Mugabe has previously undertaken to restore law and order in Zimbabwe, but never followed up his words with action.

Malawian President Bakili Muluzi, who currently chairs SADC, declined to say what action the regional grouping would take if Mugabe backtracked.

"Let's give Zimbabwe a chance," he said. "President Mugabe has made a commitment to us as SADC - let's wait and see."