Tsvangirai Returns to Zimbabwe

Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai returned to Zimbabwe today to campaign for a run-off presidential vote June 27, the BBC reports. Rumors of an army assassination had delayed his return by a week. Meanwhile, a top official from the ruling Zanu-PF party warned of a coup if President Robert Mugabe doesn’t win the run-off, the Los Angeles Times reports. “If we lose the runoff, then the army will take over,” the official said.

Movement for Democratic Change leader Tsvangirai has been abroad seeking international support for his candidacy since the first round of elections, while at home, MDC and human rights groups say hundreds of his supporters have been beaten up, with over 40 killed and at least six kidnapped. Zanu-PF denies backing violence.