Zimbabwe opposition to contest general election

Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change will take part in next month’s general election, abandoning plans to boycott the vote in protest at political violence and unfair voting conditions.

“We participate under protest,” said MDC spokesman Paul Themba Nyathi. “We participate to keep the flames of hope for change alive.”

Last year, the opposition suspended participation in all elections in protest at biased electoral laws and to demand an end to intimidation and to media and security laws that prevent fair campaigning.

It demanded electoral reforms to meet regional standards of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community, and though some reforms have been announced by the government opposition leaders have repeatedly insisted they do not go far enough.

President Robert Mugabe has vowed to bar Western observers from the election, saying only “friendly” African countries will be permitted to send observers for the March 31 election.