Zimbabweans are expected to take to the streets Saturday in large numbers to show their support for this week's military takeover and urge President Robert Mugabe, who is under house arrest, to step down.

A diverse section of Zimbabwean society has expressed support for the rally in the capital Harare including both the influential War Veterans Association as well as of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, who have been at odds in the past.

The army told state media that the rally was being allowed to go ahead but urged that it remain peaceful.

"We are now uniting a big chunk of Zimbabawe's population," said Chris Mutsvangwa, head of the war veterans. "We are calling on the people of Zimbabwe to come to the rally."

Zimbabwe's military on Wednesday seized power in a bloodless coup, placing Mugabe, 93, under house arrest and detaining some of his allies. Mugabe has been in power for almost four decades.

Many Zimbaweans have welcomed the military's move after years of economic hardship and human rights abuses.