The Zimbabwe parliament passed two controversial laws that critics say are designed to stifle dissent ahead of President Robert Mugabe's reelection bid in March.
The Public Order and Security Bill, which gives the government sweeping powers to clamp down on the opposition, was passed by acclamation and not by formal vote.
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President Robert Mugabe
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Parliament also passed the General Laws Amendment Bill, which will ban independent election monitors and deny voting rights to millions of Zimbabweans abroad, by 62 votes to 49.
Mr Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party holds 93 of the 150 seats in parliament.
The European Union will tell Zimbabwe tomorrow it faces economic sanctions if it fails to curb the ongoing political violence, violent seizures of white-owned farms and alleged human rights abuses. Diplomats doubt the threat will have much impact, however.
Mr Mugabe is sending a high-level team to talks with EU representatives.
Britain and Canada have threatened to push for Zimbabwe's suspension from the Commonwealth if it continues its course.