Mugabe's presidential election opponent won't back a runoff

HARARE, Zimbabwe (CNN) - The opposition candidate who contends he's the victor in the Zimbabwe's presidential election said Saturday he would oppose a runoff with President Robert Mugabe, because he feared possible violence.

"We went into this election without the need for a runoff. This is totally unacceptable," Morgan Tsvangirai told reporters in a conference call. He previously had said he would be willing to participate in a second round of voting.

"This country cannot afford a runoff. A runoff would traumatize and polarize the nation," Tsvangirai added.

Mugabe's party has said those concerns are unfounded.