ZIMBABWE SETS MARCH DATE FOR POLL!

President Mugabe is trying to extend his 27 years in office. Zimbabwe is to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on 29 March, the government has announced.
President Robert Mugabe has been confirmed as his party's candidate.

The opposition is threatening to boycott the elections unless it gets guarantees they will be free and fair at talks with Mr Mugabe's party. Recent elections have been characterised by violence against the opposition and accusations of rigging - charges denied by Mr Mugabe.

On Wednesday, police used tear gas to disperse a banned march staged by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). In December, the government promised to relax tough security laws, which have been used to hinder MDC campaigning.

The MDC and Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF are holding talks mediated by South Africa in an effort to end the political impasse. The opposition wants constitutional changes to be enacted before the elections are held. They had been expected in March.

Zimbabwe is suffering from an acute economic crisis, which Mr Mugabe's critics blame on his seizure of white-owned farms. He says he is the victim of an international plot intended to bring him down.

Earlier this month, the BBC was told that former Finance Minister Simba Makoni would challenge Mr Mugabe, either from within Zanu-PF and be launching a breakaway party.
BBC NEWS REPORT.