Zimbabwe Oppn leader says he will contest runoff

8220;I am ready, the people are ready,8221; he said.

8220;I intend to return as shortly as possible and intend to begin a victory tour,8221; he said.

No exact date for his return was set.

Tsvangirai had said previously he won the first round outright and that official figures showing a second round was necessary were fraudulent. Opposition officials and independent human rights activist have accused Mugabe of orchestrating violence against the opposition since the first round on March 29.

The violence, and the need to try to rally support, have kept Tsvangirai and other top opposition figures out of Zimbabwe since the first round.

Observers inside and outside Zimbabwe have questioned whether a second round could be free and fair with the opposition unable to campaign freely because of attacks and threats.

Mugabe8217;s ruling ZANU-PF, meanwhile, has already launched its runoff campaign. L:ast week, the police had cracked down on the opposition.