Counting of votes have began in Zimbabwe after millions of voters turned out to vote in Monday’s historic election.
Polling stations across the country have closed after a successful voting process despite pockets of delays at the initial stages in some areas.
Zimbabwe’s electoral commission says final results will be announced within five days.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75 who is leading the ruling Zanu-PF and his biggest rival 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa from the opposition MDC party are the main contenders.
Considered the biggest and crucial election in Zimbabwe’s political history, the two rivals will be seeking the mandate to re-galvanize the country.
What now matters to many is the acceptance of the outcome of the election to prevent potential violence.
Why is the election crucial?
The elections are coming months after the former President, Robert Mugabe exited power after a military takeover.
The younger generation who have known Mugabe all their lives are demanding a new era. They will be crucial in deciding who wins.
What the candidates promised
President Mnangagwa who is leading the Zanu-PF into the elections has campaigned promising new focus for the country.
Celebrating Zimbabwean democracy.
The voice of the people is the voice of God! pic.twitter.com/Qdv79bAHh3
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) July 30, 2018
He has promised to transform the economy and tackle corruption. But many doubt he can do things differently from what happened under Robert Mugabe.
His rival Chamisa of the opposition MDC is also pledging to revive the economy that has taken a nose dive.
Victory is ours!Long winding queues in most parts of Harare.There seems to be a deliberate attempt to suppress and frustrate the Urban vote. Good turn out but the people’s will being negated & undetermined due to these deliberate & unnecessary delays.We are in because #Godisinit
— Nelson Chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) July 30, 2018
Chamisa doesn’t think Mnangagwa holds the key to taking Zimbabwe to the next level.
Too close to call
More than 20 presidential candidates and nearly 130 political parties participated in the process.
A poll released before the elections predicted that the results will be too close to call.
An Afrobarometer poll says there will be no clear winner. It said President Mnangagwa is likely to secure 40 percent of voters. His opponent Chamisa is tipped to secure 37 percent of votes.
Zimbabwe election rules provide for a run-off if no presidential candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote. A run-off could be held on September 8.
Source: Africafeeds.com
