In Zimbabwe, the country’s main opposition candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai, has dropped out of this week’s run-off against Robert Mugabe, following weeks of violence directed at members of Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change. At least eighty-six supporters of the opposition have been killed, and thousands more have been injured. Tsvangirai announced his withdrawal on Sunday.

Morgan Tsvangirai: “The conditions prevailing as of today do not permit the holding of a credible poll. The militia, the war veterans, even Mugabe himself, have made it clear that anyone that votes for me in the forthcoming election faces the very real possibility of being murdered or killed.”

Election officials in Zimbabwe have said the June 27th run-off presidential vote will go ahead despite the withdrawal of Tsvangirai.