Zimbabwe's high court has rejected an application by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change to halt a planned recount of results from last month's general elections in 23 constituencies.
‘I have considered very carefully the submissions and I find no merit in the application,’ said Justice Antonia Guvava. ‘Accordingly, the application is dismissed with costs.’
The ruling paves the way for a recount to begin on Saturday in the 23 constituencies, three weeks after voters cast their ballots for a president, members of a 210-strong parliament and local councillors.
Most of the recounts will take place in constituencies where President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF lost in the parliamentary election.
If the ZANU-PF manages to overturn most of the results, it will be able to regain control of parliament from the opposition.
No results from the presidential poll have yet to be announced.
Speech by Mugabe condemns Britain
Meanwhile, President Mugabe has delivered his first big speech since last month's disputed elections.
His address to 15,000 supporters at a stadium in the capital, Harare, marked the 28th anniversary of independence from Britain.
Mr Mugabe said he condemned former colonial ruler Britain and said thieves were trying to steal his country.
It is his first significant speech today since last month's disputed elections.
Mr Tsvangirai earlier revealed that his party came close to an agreement with the ruling ZANU-PF that would have removed President Mugabe from power.
He told the BBC that in the days following the election, talks on putting together a national unity government were well advanced, but broke down when hardline supporters of Mr Mugabe became involved.
He has also called on South African President Thabo Mbeki to stand aside as mediator, saying 'quiet diplomacy' has not worked.
