Zimbabwe opposition appeals to U.N. to intervene to avoid bloodshed

Zimbabwe's opposition party is appealing to the United Nations to intervene to avoid bloodshed as the country prepares for a presidential runoff.

Spokesman Nelson Chamisa said Saturday that Zimbabweans are aware of the challenges of fighting a dictatorship, but added that the people need help from the international community.

The party of President Robert Mugabe has said he would fight to retain his 28-year grip on power in a runoff election.

Chamisa said that "The U.N. has to make sure that there is no violence ... they should not (wait to) come when there is blood in the street, blood in the villages."