HARARE - Zimbabwe opposition claims victory

Some official figures have emerged from Zimbabwe's Electoral Commission giving the combined opposition half of the available parliamentary seats with President Robert Mugabe's ruling party trailing 11 behind.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change now says its candidate has beaten Mugabe in the presidential race as well.

Election rules say candidates need 51 per cent for an outright first round victory.

MDC officials say tallies posted outside polling stations give their leader Morgan Tsvangirai more than 50 per cent of the vote with Mugabe over six points behind.

SOUNDBITE: Tendai Biti, MDC Secretary General, saying (English):

"What the ZEC is saying, which is consistent with out own figures, is that President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai has won this election. He has won this election no in respect of the gross vote but in respect of attaining the majority that is required in terms of section 110 of the electoral act."

Mugabe's government is dismissing the MDC's claim as wishful.

It's already warned that any opposition claim of victory ahead of the official results would amount to a coup attempt.

Both sides are dismissing widespread speculation that they're negotiating a managed exit for Mugabe.

He was accused of rigging the last election in 2002.

This time around analysts say the groundswell of discontent over the economy ravaged by the world's highest rate of inflation is too great for him to fix.

The opposition says it's prepared to accept a second round ballot under protest but is urging Mugabe to concede defeat to avoid embarrassment.

But the prospect of a run-off ballot has raised fears that the delay could lead to an eruption of violence between security forces and militia loyal to Mugabe on one side and opposition supporters on the other.

Paul Chapman, Reuters

tally - recount, an additional (usually a second) count; especially of the votes in a close election
gross adj. gross·er, gross·est

1.

a. Exclusive of deductions; total: gross profits. See Synonyms at whole.

b. Unmitigated in any way; utter: gross incompetence.

2. Glaringly obvious: gross injustice. See Synonyms at flagrant.

3.

a. Brutishly coarse, as in behavior; crude: "It is futile to expect a hungry and squalid population to be anything but violent and gross" Thomas H. Huxley.

b. Offensive; disgusting.

c. Lacking sensitivity or discernment; unrefined:

d. Carnal; sensual.

4.

a. Overweight; corpulent.

b. Dense; profuse.

5. Broad; general: the gross outlines of a plan.
rigging - manipulate in a fraudulent manner; "rig prices"
ground·swell n.

1. A sudden gathering of force, as of public opinion: a groundswell of antiwar sentiment.

2. A broad deep undulation of the ocean, often caused by a distant storm or an earthquake.
rav·age v. rav·aged, rav·ag·ing, rav·ages

v.tr.

1. To bring heavy destruction on; devastate: A tornado ravaged the town.

2. To pillage; sack: Enemy soldiers ravaged the village.