Zimbabweans ask for asylum as talks proceed

Canada News.Net
Wednesday 25th June, 2008

The countries surrounding Zimbabwe have urged the postponement of Friday's presidential election.

The call by a security group of southern African nations have said the re-election of President Robert Mugabe could lack legitimacy in the current violent climate.

A top negotiator from the neighbouring countries is now in Harare, mediating on election options, including postponement of the vote.

Mugabe has so far defied criticism by world leaders that the polls will have no credibility.

Zimbabwe's Electoral Commission ruled that last Sunday's withdrawal from the election by opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai had no legal force and the poll would go ahead.

Tsvangirai has called on the African Union, backed by the United Nations, to lead a transition in Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, around 200 people claiming to be victims of political violence in Zimbabwe have gathered at the South African embassy in Harare seeking refuge, amid the political crisis in the country.

The group claimed they fled their homes in various parts of the country after they were attacked by Mugabe supporters.

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