Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Friday accused President Robert Mugabe of forcing Zimbabweans to vote in an election in which the veteran leader is the only candidate.

Tsvangirai, who has taken refuge in the Dutch embassy for the last six days, told a news conference millions of people were staying away from the polls in Friday's election despite intimidation. He returned to the embassy after news conference.

"What is happening today is not an election. It is an exercise in mass intimidation with people all over the country being forced to vote," Tsvangirai said.

Mugabe, in power for 28 years, went ahead with the vote despite a wave of international condemnation after Tsvangirai withdrew because of state-backed violence and intimidation against his supporters.

Turnout was low in urban areas where Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change is traditionally strong. But it was not clear how many voters went to the polls in rural districts.

Tsvangirai, who says the poll is a farce, had urged people to abstain but said they should vote if their lives were in danger.

"Whatever might happen, the results...will not be recognised by the world. No matter what you are forced to do, we know what is in your heart. Don't risk your life. The people's victory may be delayed but it won't be denied," he said in a statement.

Voting began shortly after 0500 GMT and turnout was much lower in urban areas than in parliamentary and presidential elections in March when people queued from the early hours. Polling was due to end at 1700 GMT.

Tsvangirai won the March 29 poll but fell short of the majority needed for outright victory.

Tsvangirai also said he understood South African President Thabo Mbeki planned to recognise Mugabe's re-election. But he said it would be a "dream" to expect his MDC to join a national unity government with Mugabe's ZANU-PF.

Mbeki, the designated regional mediator in Zimbabwe, has been widely criticised for a soft approach towards Mugabe despite an economic crisis that has flooded South Africa and other countries with millions of refugees.

The G8 group of rich nations lambasted Zimbabwe for going ahead with the vote and the United States said the U.N. Security Council may consider fresh sanctions on Zimbabwe next week.