Police Ban Tsvangirai Homecoming Rally in Bulawayo

Zimbabwean Police have banned a rally scheduled for Sunday in the country’s second largest city Bulawayo, where Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was set to launch his campaign for the upcoming presidential run-off election. MDC Secretary General Tendai Biti has meanwhile condemned the government’s delay of the runoff vote, alleging that President Robert Mugabe intends to retain power using all means. Biti says MDC wants the rerun election held by May 23 in accordance with Zimbabwe’s electoral laws, which prescribe that a second round vote should be held within 21 days of the announcement of first round results.