The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said it had been cheated of thousands of votes as the Zimbabwe Election Commission announced that its leader had gained 47.9% of the votes – against 43.2% for Mr Mugabe.

In addition to Sunday’s meeting, some delegates were also being sent to South Africa to consult Mr Tsvangirai, who has taken refuge there, a party spokesman told the BBC.

Reaction: In quotes Tough call for opposition

The spokesman said the critical issue was securing an end to the political violence of recent weeks, in which hundreds of the party’s supporters have been injured.

The MDC now faces a dilemma, says the BBC’s Peter Biles in Johannesburg.

It can boycott the run-off and hand victory to President Mugabe, or it can take part – under protest – in the knowledge that the violence and intimidation witnessed over the past month has created a far tougher electoral environment, he says.

The MDC says the government delayed the result for more than a month in order to orchestrate a campaign of violence to deter opposition supporters in a run-off.

The futility of the ballot, (above article located here) has taken centre state in the failing African state of Zimbabwe. The events unfolding as a result of Zimbabwe’s recent election showcase how meaningless a vote is in a race between two individuals seeking the power to interfere with the lives of others – at the point of a gun, of course. But it’s okay, because it’s Burma’s turn next and the UN is insisting on democracy in the face of a military regime and Communist… Capitalist… Cappimmunist China. I have a good inkling that the usual tripe hasn’t worked and won’t work for a number of very good reasons.

Suggested reading: Abstain From Beans by Robert LeFevre.