Voter turnout in Zimbabwe’s first general election was at its highest level after former long serving leader Robert Mugabe was ousted in a coup.
Foreign observers described the poll as “very smooth” in some places and “totally disorganised” elsewhere as 5.5 million people voters were registered.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75, a long-time ally of Mugabe, 94, is battling it out against opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, 40, in a tight contest.
Opinion polls give Mnangagwa, who heads the ruling Zanu-PF party, a slight lead over Chamisa, of the MDC Alliance.
Both leaders are running for the presidency for the first time in the country, which is gripped by sanctions.
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| Zimbabwe Election Updates - President Has ‘Slight Lead’ In Zimbabwe |
Thousands of election monitors have been keeping an eye on the ballot, which the opposition has suggested is biased against them despite commission assurances.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, ex-Liberian president and a leader of an observer mission, said: “This is a critical moment in Zimbabwe’s democratic journey.
"The elections today provide an opportunity to break with the past.”
She said: “The lines and voter enthusiasm we are seeing must be matched by an accurate count and their choice must be honoured. www.express.co.uk
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, ex-Liberian president and a leader of an observer mission, said: “This is a critical moment in Zimbabwe’s democratic journey.
"The elections today provide an opportunity to break with the past.”
She said: “The lines and voter enthusiasm we are seeing must be matched by an accurate count and their choice must be honoured. www.express.co.uk