HARARE, Zimbabwe — Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of Zimbabwe’s violence- racked presidential runoff Sunday, declaring that the election was no longer credible and the loss of life among his supporters was too high.
The announcement cleared the way for President Robert Mugabe to continue his 28-year rule, despite mounting condemnation from even loyal African allies that the former independence hero has become a despot who has bankrupted the country’s once- thriving economy.
“We can’t ask the people to cast their vote on June 27 when that vote will cost their lives. We will no longer participate in this violent sham of an election,” Tsvangirai said.
He addressed a news conference in Zimbabwe’s capital after thousands of militants loyal to Mugabe prevented opposition supporters from gathering for their main campaign rally.
As night fell, militia groups roamed the capital and hotels sent their workers home early out of fear for their safety.
Tsvangirai called on the United Nations, the European Union and the Southern African regional bloc to intervene. He said he would offer new proposals by Wednesday on how to take the country forward. The opposition has repeatedly said it would welcome a government of “national healing,” including ruling-party members but not Mugabe himself.
Zimbabwean Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu said the runoff would go ahead Friday in accordance with the constitution — and to prove Zimbabweans’ support for Mugabe, who has held power since independence from Britain in 1980.
“The constitution does not say that if somebody drops out or decides to chicken out, the runoff will not be held,” Ndlovu said.
Tsvangirai won the first round of the presidential election March 29 but did not gain an outright majority against the 84-year-old Mugabe.
