Zimbabwe's opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has announced that he will not take part in the presidential run-off against incumbent President Robert Mugabe, local media further confirmed on Sunday.

The announcement came after the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) failed to hold its star rally in Harare on Sunday for the presidential runoff under unclear circumstances.

Main opposition Movement For Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai (C) is greeted by supporters during a visit to a Harare suburb June 21, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) 

Tsvangirai, who is challenging Mugabe of Zanu-PF, was expected to address the rally at Glamis Stadium. The venue was deserted in the afternoon amid unconfirmed reports that the rally had been called off on security grounds, the state media New Ziana said.

Churches services in suburbs near Glamis Stadium were also cancelled as some parishioners feared to expose themselves to crossfire, the news agency said.