A 'stay at home' called by Zimbabwe's opposition to force the release of last month's election results has got off to a slow start, with shops and services open for business as usual today.
After authorities had warned they would crack down hard on any unrest during the strike, large numbers of riot police were seen in the central business district and some townships but there were no immediate reports of violence.
The opposition Movement for Democratic Change called the action after failing to win a court order for the results to be released immediately. It said it was not calling for a clash with security services, but rather a stayaway from work.
The opposition has been wary of calling its supporters onto the streets after previous protests have been brutally repressed.
While some shop owners delayed opening as they gauged the situation, most opened for business with long queues at banks and customers in supermarkets lined up to buy bread.
Police roadblocks were set up overnight along the routes to the city centre. But the first day of the stayaway resembled a normal day as apathetic workers went about their usual business.
The muted response to the strike call was not unexpected given that previous general strikes have not been widely observed.
With inflation running at well over 100,000% and unemployment above 80%, few of those still in work are willing to risk a day's pay.
Meanwhile, the leader of the MDC Morgan Tsvangirai said he will take part in a presidential election run-off if international observers can oversee the polls.
In an interview with South Africa's private e.tv channel, Mr Tsvangirai accused President Mugabe's ruling party of trying to lay the groundwork for a run-off that would be fixed in its favour.
Mr Tsvangirai has claimed victory over President Mugabe in the 29 March poll.
