Vote counting is under way in Zimbabwe’s first election since Robert Mugabe was ousted after 37 years in power, as observers warn of possible shortcomings in the country’s landmark poll. Follow the live update here
An elections officer applies indelible ink to a voter finger during early morning voting in Kwekwe as Zimbabwe conducts a general election. Photo: AFP / Jekesai Njikizana
Zimbabwe’s electoral commission said on Tuesday there had been no vote-rigging in the first election without Robert Mugabe on the ballot, but the opposition alleged irregularities as an anxious nation awaited the first official results.
Dozens of opposition supporters gathered at their headquarters in the capital, Harare, celebrating in the belief that they had won the presidential election based on results they said they collected from agents in the field.
Police with water cannon circulated in the area.Zimbabweans hope the election will help to lift their country out of economic and political stagnation.
Millions peacefully cast their ballots on Monday in a process closely watched by international monitors, who have yet to make formal announcements about whether the election was free and fair. – AP
COMMENTS
They never had a problem denying the majority vote before!