"[He] joins an impressive group of world leaders including Nelson Mandela, Boris Yeltsin, Margaret Thatcher and, more recently, Dr Mir Hossein Mousavi of Iran who was awarded the medal in 2009."

Tsvangirai was first awarded the medal in 2002, but was unable to accept it in person at the time because he was not permitted to leave Zimbabwe.

The IAPC started presenting its Democracy Award in 1982 to individuals or organisations who had worked "courageously to foster, promote and sustain the democratic process throughout the world".

In his address to the conference Tsvangirai was quoted saying: "In my darkest moments I am inspired by the hope and courage of the people. At times when I am tempted to feel proud, I am humbled by the commitment of millions of ordinary Zimbabweans to stand up for their rights and in times of anger and frustration I am consoled by the absolute dedication to peaceful, democratic change demonstrated by the great people of Zimbabwe.

"We are all committed to fostering democracy and democratic processes. While I am focused on fulfilling this mission in Zimbabwe, I know that there is much to be learnt from the knowledge and lessons that you bring to this conference."

Tsvangirai was sworn in as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe in February 2009 after a series of controversial elections