The opposition leader of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, declared yesterday that he would take part in a run-off election for the presidency and will soon return home despite a violent crackdown on his supporters that has left at least 20 dead.

Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), said his supporters would feel “betrayed” if he did not contest the run-off after winning more votes than President Robert Mugabe in the first round of the election.

“I am ready, the people are ready,” he said. “I intend to return as shortly as possible and intend to begin a victory tour.”

Speaking in South Africa, he added that he would participate only if international observers and media had full access to ensure that the run-off is free and fair.

The opposition has accused Mugabe and his ruling Zanu-PF party of trying to intimidate voters and attempting to rig the last ballot.

It was the first time Tsvangirai had publicly committed himself to the run-off, which he claims is unnecessary because he took just over 50% of the vote in the first round, enough to win outright. Official figures show he won just under 50%.

Last night it appeared that his return may provoke a show-down with Mugabe’s government. Patrick Chinamasa, the justice minister, ruled out accepting any of Tsvangirai’s conditions.

“The run-off will be held within the framework of the constitution and the electoral laws. There will be no conditionalities outside this framework,” he said.

Tsvangirai last week told The Sunday Times that he feared for his life if he returns.

MDC officials and human rights activists have accused Mugabe of orchestrating a campaign of violence against the opposition since the election on March 29.

Tsvangirai said he expected to return to Zimbabwe within two days, but aides later said that no firm date had been set. The violence directed at MDC supporters and the need to mobilise backing in neighbouring states has kept Tsvangirai out of Zimbabwe since the first vote.

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

Tapiwa Mudiwa, a 26-year-old MDC supporter, was sceptical yesterday. “How are we going to campaign?” Mudiwa asked. “We can’t wear MDC T-shirts. We fear we can’t go for rallies. Cars are being burnt.”

The official election result, released on May 2, gave Tsvangirai 47.9% and Mugabe 43.2%.

No date has been set for the run-off. Tsvangirai said it should be held within 21 days of May 2, but government officials claim they have up to a year.

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