Tsvangirai pulls out from run-off polls

8220;We in the MDC have resolved that we will no longer participate in this violent, illegitimate sham of an election process,8221; he said in Harare.

The MDC and Tsvangirai, who beat Mugabe in a March 29 vote, but failed to win the absolute majority needed to avoid a second ballot, have repeatedly accused Government security forces and militia of intimidation and strong-arm tactics to ensure a Mugabe victory in the June 27 poll. Tsvangirai repeated this on Sunday, saying there was a state-sponsored plot to keep the 84-year-old Mugabe in power.

8220;We in the MDC cannot ask them the voters to cast their vote on June 27, when that vote could cost them their lives,8221; he said. Tsvangirai, who himself had been detained by police five times while campaigning, said 86 MDC supporters had been killed and 2,00,000 displaced from their homes.

Mugabe has repeatedly vowed never to turn over power to the Opposition, which he brands a puppet of Britain and the United States.

Mugabe, who has ruled since independence from Britain in 1980, has blamed the political violence on the Opposition and denies security forces have been responsible for brutal actions.

The veteran leader has presided over a ruinous slide in a once prosperous economy. Millions have fled the political and economic crisis to neighbouring states.

The MDC earlier said that thousands of youth militia loyal to Mugabe poured into an MDC rally in Harare on Sunday armed with iron bars and sticks, beating journalists and forcing election observers to flee. Police had banned the rally, which was to be the highlight of Tsvangirai8217;s stormy election campaign, but a high court in Harare overturned the police ban on Saturday.

Tsvangirai said he won the March vote outright and reluctantly agreed to a run-off. The state-run media has refused to run the Opposition8217;s political ads and police have blocked some of its rallies.