THE main opposition party claimed outright victory yesterday for its leader Morgan Tsvangirai, saying he had won 50.3 percent of the vote compared to 43.8 percent for President Robert Mugabe.

The ruling ZANU-PF party rejected the opposition’s claims, saying it would await the full results from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, which has not yet published the outcome of Saturday’s presidential poll.

The state Herald newspaper, meanwhile, predicted a runoff in the first official admission that Zimbabwe’s leader of 28 years has failed to win re-election.

A presidential candidate needs at least 50 percent plus one vote to avoid a runoff.

In campaigning, 84-year-old Mugabe had likened the elections to a boxing match, with his party winning in a knockout. Mugabe has been silent since the vote.

The commission has offered no results in the presidential race, saying Tuesday it was still receiving ballot boxes from the provinces.

Washington has indicated it believed the opposition had won. “It’s clear the people of Zimbabwe have voted for change,” National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

The European Union said it wants Mugabe to step down.

(SD-Agencies)