Runoff Seen for Zimbabwe

Three days after Zimbabweans turned out in massive numbers to vote in presidential and parliamentary polls, confusion reigns: President Robert Mugabe's party has privately conceded that he lost to opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai by 43% to 48%, the Guardian  reports, reflecting independent tallies. But since neither man won the 51% necessary, a runoff will be needed.

But official results haven't been released, fueling widespread fears that Mugabe is using the delay to rig the voting. The Zimbabwean says Mugabe is planning to announce victory today. If Mugabe moves to steal the election, many inside and outside Zimbabwe fear massive protests leading to Kenya-style bloodshed. (More Robert Mugabe stories.)