Zimbabwe Election: High turnout leads to slow counting of votes

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03:05

Zimbabwe awaits the first official results of Monday's presidential election. A record high turnout shows healthy civic participation but is also causing some unease. Our correspondent Farai Mwakutuya reports from Harare.

The vote count is trickling in. Results from just over a handful of locations have been announced more than 24 hours after polls closed.

The issue, the sheer number of people who turned out to cast their ballots for president and parliament. It's taking longer than many would want.

PRISCILLA CHIGUMBA CHAIRPERSON, ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION "We have more than 10-thousand polling stations transmitting election results for three different levels of elections. Quite obviously, this poses a considerable challenge."

There was a record 75 percent turnout in Monday's vote signifying just how much Zimbabweans have riding on it.

RASHWEAT MUKUNDU POLITICAL ANALYST "It's an indication that citizens are taking great interest in governance issues and that in itself may push politicians to behave, especially in accepting the result of this election."

The delayed outcome is also causing controversy, with the main opposition already claiming victory. Nelson Chamisa, who leads the Movement for Democratic Change party, is running against incumbent president Emmerson Mnangagwa.

TENDAI BITI MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE "We have collected results because results are posted outside polling stations consistent with Section 54 of the Electoral Act. Those results show that we have won. That is not a complaint. That is fact."

The delay in announcing results could heighten tensions and spark unrest. This is the first presidential election since former longtime leader Robert Mugabe was removed from power last year.

PROFESSOR CHERYL HENDRICKS AFRICA INSTITUTE FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA "Zimbabwe needs to legitimize this government, and it needs this particular election in order to have a legitimate government. For that to happen, the elections have to be seen by all to be credible free and fair. So it is important that as the election results come out we maintain its integrity and its credibility."

Observers have called for the process to be sped up.

FARAI MWAKUTUYA HARARE "Zimbabwe and the rest of the world is watching intently and waiting on the announcement of the results which the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and only it has the authority and will do so within five days."

A 51 percent majority is required to win the presidential election. If none of the candidates achieves that, a second round of voting will take place on September eighth. FM, CGTN, Harare, Zimbabwe.