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Large voter turn out has marked Zimbabwe’s general election, and observers say the voting day was largely peaceful.
Long queues formed well before the polling stations opened.
But observers reported widespread delays in the capital, Harare, where some ballot papers did not arrive on time.
The opposition party the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) also reported that some polling stations in the capital were yet to open even as the voting time was drawing to a close.
Some voters waited for more than eight hours for the papers to arrive. Others left out of frustration.
The delays in Harare – which is an opposition stronghold – could further tarnish what is already a controversial election.
The CCC say the pre-election period was marred by intimidation of its supporters, and irregularities around the electoral roll.
The elections are crucial for Zimbabwe’s international relations.
A clean election could inch the country towards being granted concessions over its massive debt arrears – critical to restarting its economy.
President Mnangagwa is seeking a second term in office, his Zanu-PF party has run the country for 43 years. Meanwhile his challenger 45- year-old Nelson Chamisa of the CCC is trying to attract the youth vote.
Results are expected to begin trickling in early on Thursday morning.
Source: BBC
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