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Zimbabwean leader of the Movement for Democratic Change Morgan Tsvangirai

Zimbabwe's opposition leader says he will contest a presidential run-off and will return soon to his homeland.

Morgan Tsvangirai, addressing reporters in South Africa, said his supporters would feel "betrayed" if he did not face Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in the run-off.

"I am ready, the people are ready," he said.

"I intend to return as shortly as possible and intend to begin a victory tour," he said. He said he expected to return within two days, but aides said later no exact date has been set.

Tsvangirai had said previously he won the first round outright and that official figures showing a second round was necessary were fraudulent.

Opposition officials and independent human rights activist have accused Mugabe of orchestrating violence against the opposition since the first round on March 29.

The violence, and the need to try to rally support, have kept Tsvangirai and other top opposition figures out of Zimbabwe since the first round.

Observers inside and outside Zimbabwe have questioned whether a second round could be free and fair with the opposition unable to campaign freely because of attacks and threats.

Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF, meanwhile, has already launched its run-off campaign.

No run-off date has been set. Tsvangirai said it should be held within 21 days of the May 2 announcement of presidential results, but Zimbabwean government officials have said the electoral commission has up to a year to hold the vote.