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Morning Ireland: Declan Walsh of the Irish Times analyses the implications of this weekend's elections in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe is due to address three rallies in different parts of the country today as the presidential campaign moves into top gear.
After 22 years in power, 78-year-old Mr Mugabe is attempting to see off a challenge by the opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, in two days of voting next weekend. Mr Mugabe's opponents say that the election will not be free and fair.
Mr Mugabe's supporters claimed a major diplomatic victory when African states blocked a move to have Zimbabwe suspended from the Commonwealth, at least until the election is over.
Some countries had wanted Mr Mugabe's regime suspended from the group because of claims that he was using intimidation and violence to win this weekend's presidential election.
