Brussels  - The European Union on Friday dismissed as a "sham" Zimbabwe's presidential election in which the incumbent, Robert Mugabe, is the only candidate.

"We are aware that a so-called election is taking place today. Let me be clear: the European Commission, like the UN, does not consider this election legitimate or valid," a spokeswoman for the EU's executive in Brussels said.

"The electoral process has been dominated by a systematic government-led campaign of violence and intimidation. Today's election is a sham. The election is hollow and its result will be equally hollow and meaningless," she said.

On Sunday, opposition challenger Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of the race for the run-off poll after a string of attacks on his supporters by Mugabe loyalists. (dpa)