Large numbers of Zimbabweans turned out to vote in a general election, amid some delays, following a campaign dominated by soaring inflation.
The process was largely peaceful, but the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) reported that some polling stations had failed to open as the official closing time approached.
Its candidate, Nelson Chamisa, has alleged there was “voter suppression”.
Mr Chamisa is one of 10 challengers to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Officials have five days to announce the results.
A presidential candidate needs more than 50% of the vote to win.
If there is no outright victor, a presidential run-off will be held in six weeks on 2 October, when the more than six million registered voters will choose between the top two candidates.
Zimbabweans were also electing MPs and local councillors.
Long queues formed well before the polling stations opened with people saying they were excited to exercise their right to vote.
Some had to wait for more than eight hours for ballot papers to arrive. Others left out of frustration.
The delays in the capital, Harare, which is an opposition stronghold, could further tarnish what is already a controversial election.
After voting on Wednesday, one Harare resident spoke about the harsh economic climate.
“I want my life to move improve, for the economy to be fixed, for my children to be able to go to school, healthcare to work. That is what we are voting for – for these things to be fixed,” she told the BBC.
A young male voter said he wanted “improvement in this country in terms of infrastructure… we are just expecting something better than what we are now”.
The delays at some polling stations have been blamed on the late delivery of ballot papers, caused by legal challenges by some of those running for local council seats.
The electoral commission says 23% of polling stations opened on time at 07:00 local time (07:00 GMT) in Harare. In the second city, Bulawayo, 75% were open by 08:00, officials have said.
Voting was due to end at 19:00 but the commission says that the hours will be extended in those places that started late.
Some voters in Harare told the BBC that they had not been able to find their polling stations.
Source: BBC
| Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
Featured Video
