Johannesburg/Harare - There is "no hope" that a free and fair run-off election could take place in Zimbabwe on June 27, defeated independent Zimbabwean presidential candidate Simba Makoni said in South Africa Tuesday.

South Africa's Sapa news agency quoted Makoni, of the Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn Movement, as saying that Zimbabwe and its people could not afford another election and reiterated the call for a transitional government of national unity.

He said the current environment of instability and violence was not conducive to a free and fair election.

"We are convinced that the last thing Zimbabwe and the people needed is another election.

"Between now and June 27 we believe that an election cannot be conducted ... the people will be short-changed."

Makoni said that negotiations between Zanu-PF and the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) were taking place and both leaders - Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai respectively - agreed that a transitional government would resolve the problem in Zimbabwe.

"The only point of departure is who will lead us ... who will be the top person." Makoni said it was inappropriate at this time to show support for either candidate but said that a transitional government would comprise leadership from both constituencies.

Makoni came in third place in the disputed presidential elections held on March 29. dpa