Zimbabwe\'s electoral commission has told an all-party meeting that Morgan Tsvangirai won almost 48 percent in March\'s presidential election.



The result would mean the Movement for Democratic Change leader is 2 percent short of the 50 percent required to avoid a run-off against President Robert Mugabe, who won 43 percent.



The figures were reportedly tabled at the start of the verification process.



Earlier, Mr. Tsvangirai insisted he had won an outright victory in the poll.



On Wednesday, government sources told reporters that Mr. Tsvangirai had beaten the president, but had not won enough of the vote to avoid a second round.



The opposition and human rights groups accused the authorities of waging a campaign of violence to ensure Mr. Mugabe wins any run-off.