Mugabe in final election appeal

Saturday, 29 March 2008, 00:25 GMT

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has accused the main opposition party of being a Western puppet as the country prepares to vote in elections.

Mr Mugabe, 84, is facing his strongest challenge since he gained power at independence from Britain in 1980.

The opposition MDC party has warned the poll will be rigged - a charge denied by the government in Harare.

Zimbabwe's security forces have been put on full alert amid fears of violence after the election.