The projected legislation, reported by the official Herald newspaper, is the latest in a string of restrictions which critics say are designed to hamper the political opposition ahead of presidential elections early next year.

Four years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that such a measure would be unconstitutional, but the paper quoted the government as saying it was designed to combat increasing crime and terrorism.

It has recently accused the opposition of carrying out acts of terrorism.

On Wednesday, the government said it would introduce tough new security laws making a wide range of offences punishable with life imprisonment or death.

Bulawayo clashes

Political violence has erupted again in the volatile townships of Zimbabwe's second city of Bulawayo between supporters of the ruling Zanu-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

Last night two houses belonging to MDC officials were burnt and the occupants were severely beaten by a mob.

Several other houses of suspected opposition supporters were stoned by the mob forcing many residents to flee to other areas of the city.

Violence erupted in Bulawayo last week after a war veterans leader, Cain Nkala, was killed.

Arrests

Meanwhile civil rights campaigners say the police arrested and detained 35 people trying to demonstrate against changes to electoral laws on Wednesday in the capital, Herare.