Zimbabwe opposition rallies in Harare

Zimbabwe’s opposition will hold rallies in the capital Harare today thanks to a favourable court ruling with only weeks to go before its leader faces Robert Mugabe in a presidential runoff.

The court ruling means a police ban cannot be enforced, said Nqobizitha Mlilo, a spokesman for the Movement for Democratic Change. The embattled opposition, however, suffered setbacks elsewhere, including the arrest of a prominent member.

Opposition presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai, meanwhile, spoke to small groups of voters around Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second main city.

Mr Tsvangirai beat Mr Mugabe and two other candidates in the first round of presidential voting March 29, but did not garner the 50% plus one vote necessary to avoid a runoff.

Reporters travelling with Mr Tsvangirai yesterday said small crowds greeted him enthusiastically. At one stop, where it appeared he had planned a rally, riot police were on hand and told him no gatherings were allowed.