Eligible voters have been at the polls since 7am local time (05:00 GMT) in an election that has been described as a watershed event that will rid the country of the challenges encountered during ex-President Robert Mugabe’s regime and hopefully propel Zimbabwe towards economic recovery.
So far the voting process has been smooth devoid of any reports of breaches to Zimbabwe’s electoral laws. However, there are early reports of huge turnout at various election stations resulting in long queues especially in the capital, Harare.
“I started queuing at 3am to ensure I participate in this elections. I want the winner to provide us jobs", Audacious Kumbuzi a first time voter reporter told AEP.
Liberia’s former President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, part of the international election observer team told BBC at the David Livingstone Primary School in Harare “I think this is an exciting moment for Zimbabweans to change the course of their country through their votes. The long queues tell us that they are very enthusiastic about this opportunity to ensure they are part of this process.”
Both leading candidates for the presidential seat, 75-year-old Emmerson Mnangagwa and the 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa, a lawyer and pastor who is vying to become Zimbabwe's youngest head of state have cast their votes.
Halfway through voting, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) addressed the nation and stated that most polling stations opened on time across the country and used the opportunity to remind stakeholders that only accredited observers will be allowed into polling stations.
Zimbabweans have three votes today – for president, Members of Parliament and local councillors. After marking the papers in the cardboard booths, voters then cast their ballots in three boxes.
Whoever wins the presidential seat will face the enormous task of putting Zimbabwe back on track by tackling corruption and mismanagement of the economy, which characterised the 37 years of Mugabe rule.
Polls will close at 7pm local time (17:00GMT) however voters already in queues will be allowed to exercise their franchise.
AEP
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