U.S. Senator Russell Feingold says he is deeply concerned that next month's presidential election in Zimbabwe will not be free and fair because of violence and intimidation by the ruling party.

Mr. Feingold, the chairman of the Senate subcommittee on Africa, told VOA it is unfortunate that Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is resorting to such tactics to preserve power.

The Democratic senator from Wisconsin called on Mr. Mugabe to take steps to ensure the elections are free and fair, but he said almost every indication suggests the polls will not be fair.

Mr. Feingold also criticized Zimbabwe's government for revoking his visa to visit the country to see conditions there ahead of the elections. The Senator said he wonders what Mr. Mugabe has to hide.

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