He told the BBC that such a result in the presidential and parliamentary polls on Wednesday would not reflect the will of the people, and alleged there had already been interference by the ruling party and police harassment.

Neither Zanu-PF nor the police have responded to those claims.

Mr Chamisa, who leads the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), also told the BBC the grip on power held by Zanu-PF since 1980 was coming to an end, and that only a new government could revitalise the county:

Quote Message: Zimbabwe is ready for change, Zimbabwe is free at last and Zimbabwe is going to see a new leadership and new politics, fresh politics is kicking in.

Quote Message: I have no doubt in my mind that the people of Zimbabwe have said and they have decided that they want a new lease of life, and there is absolute consensus across the board, from the rural areas to urban areas, that they need change.

Quote Message: And we are the face of change, the face of hope, the face of the future."

Nelson Chamisa

Leader, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)