200805111261 | MDC supporters relieved as Tsvangirai stands in run off

MDC supporters relieved as Tsvangirai stands in run off

Harare - On the streets of Harare, supporters of Morgan Tsvangirai greeted news of his imminent return with relief on Saturday after weeks of uncertainty and rumours he had given up on his homeland. Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, left Zimbabwe days after disputed elections on March 29 and has not returned since.

Before he announced his return "within two days" on Saturday, he had refused to say whether he would take part in a presidential runoff to end political stalemate that has gripped the country since the polls.

"The party (MDC) needs him around as they plan the way forward after the election," said a female shopper walking out of a supermarket in Harare's Avenues area.

"He has been absent for too long and people were making all sorts of interpretations and guesses with some even saying he was no longer coming back."

Some had begun to question the opposition leader's judgement amid suggestions he was losing momentum in his bid to unseat veteran President Robert Mugabe.

Should not hesitate

Fred Parandura, a mobile fruit vendor in the capital, told AFP: "Tsvangirai should come back home and tell the people where he stands. People are wondering whether he has developed cold feet or if he is running scared."

Tsvangirai beat Mugabe in the first of the voting by 47.9% to 43.2%, falling short of the 50 percent plus one vote required for him to be declared a winner.

Results from the first round were delayed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for five weeks and no date has yet been given for the second-round run-off.

"He should not hesitate about participating in the run-off (that) he will win, like he won the first time," Parandura said.

"The only problem will be the violence and intimidation but there is no way they (Mugabe's party) would harm him because all the world's attention is on Zimbabwe," he added.

Since the announcement of parliamentary results the country has been hit by a wave of violence with the MDC claiming at least 30 of its supporters were killed and thousands displaced in retributive attacks.

The government also accuses the MDC of going on a violent campaign targeting ruling party supporters.

Personal danger

Tsvangirai's decision also brings personal risks for the former trade union leader.

Twice charged but cleared of treason in the past, he again faces a threat of treason charges. In March 2007, he was badly beaten while in police custody.

But, despite fears of further violence, his supporters welcomed his imminent homecoming.

Evans Mahapa, a supervisor in a supermarket, could not hide his joy at Tsvangirai's decision to once again take on Mugabe, Africa's oldest leader who has been in power since the country's independence in 1980.

"This is a good move," Mahapa said nodding his approval.

"And the decision to participate in the run-off is most welcome. He won in the first round and there is no way Mugabe can win even if he tries to rig the election."