Mugabe set for big win in 'phoney' poll

Robert Mugabe is set to sweep back into power with a huge majority as Zimbabwe heads to the polls amid international criticism of the vote.

As the US and the European Union denounced the elections as "phoney" and said they would take steps against Zimbabwe, the 81-year-old dictator was defiant.

Claiming the opposition party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was little more than a puppet for Tony Blair Mugabe said voting would be fair.

The US claims his ruling Zanu-PF party has intimidated the opposition, banned international observers and led a drive against independent media.

Critics blame Mugabe's land seizures programme, which began in 2000, for leaving the once prosperous country short of food. At stake today are 120 elected parliamentary seats.

Mugabe appoints another 30 seats, virtually guaranteeing Zanu-PF a majority.