[Cincinatus' Wife]

Zimbabwe rejects EU poll observer (murder and mayhem rule: opposition "stretched to the limit") [Excerpt] Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai poses the main election threat to Mugabe amid discontent with a collapsing economy and chronic food shortages in a land once known for agricultural abundance.

Analysts say the food problems stem from Mugabe's seizure of white-owned land, which has disrupted commercial farming. [End Excerpt]

[Cincinatus' Wife]

EU deadlocked with Zimbabwe over election observers [Excerpt] It was not clear what action the government would take if Schori and other barred Europeans traveled widely around the country and visited areas not on regular tourist routes.

The EU has warned Zimbabwe of sanctions unless the elections are free and fair, and unless observers and international journalists are allowed to work unhindered.

Political violence has intensified ahead of the presidential vote in which Mugabe, 77, and his increasingly unpopular ruling party face opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, 49, a charismatic former labor leader. [End Excerpt]