Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai criticises Mugabe over 'poll date'

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has unilaterally declared that elections will be held on 31 July, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has said.

He would not accept the date, as Mr Mugabe had acted "unconstitutionally".
Mr Tsvangirai has been pushing for key reforms as a condition for elections.


Mr Mugabe has not officially announced an election date, but has said he would abide by a court ruling that they must be held by 31 July, heralding the end of Zimbabwe's coalition government.
The two leaders formed the fractious coalition in 2009 under pressure from regional leaders following elections marred by violence and allegations of vote-rigging.
Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai are both expected to contest the presidential election.
Mr Tsvangirai told journalists in the capital, Harare, that Zimbabwe could not hold elections before 25 August, Reuters news agency reports.

However, Mr Mugabe had decided to set 31 July as the election date, he said.
"President Mugabe is acting unlawfully and unconstitutionally," Mr Tsvangirai said.
"As prime minister I cannot and will not accept this."

BBC