Zimbabwe counts votes after first post-Mugabe election

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01:56

Vote counting is underway after polls closed in Zimbabwe’s landmark election in which the two main rivals – Emmerson Mnangagwa of the ruling ZANU-PF and the MDC Alliance’s Nelson Chamisa – are promising a return to economic prosperity if they win.

Zimbabweans are also choosing members of parliament and councilors in the election.

There has been a huge turnout with some voters lining up at polling stations as early as 4 a.m. local time, three hours before the polls opened. An indication of the interest in the contest, which has seen more than 5.5 million people registered to cast their ballots.

Election officials tally presidential candidates ballots during counting operations for Zimbabwe's general election at David Livingston Primary school in central Harare, July 30, 2018. /VCG Photo

"I was the first one here because I feel it’s my right as a young person to vote,” said Terrence Makumbe at a polling station in Glenview, a high-density suburb of Harare.

Others in line shared similar sentiments and expressed their optimism that this election will make their voices heard.

“Right now times are hard. I earn about 40 US dollars a month and that’s not enough so I am voting so that things can change,” said Lincoln Tsigirayi, a public commuter driver.

“If the situation improves, hopefully more companies will open and I hope I will be able to get a job driving for a proper company,” he said.

The build-up to the watershed election has been peaceful, unlike previous years which were plagued by violence, intimidation and allegations of rigging.

Zimbabwe's President and candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa stands after casting his ballot at Sherwood Primary School in Kwekwe, July 30, 2018, during Zimbabwe's 2018 general elections for president and members of Parliament. /VCG Photo

“Our president said the election will be free and fair and so far this has been a democratic election, the first of its kind for Zimbabwe,” said Brian Moyo after casting his vote at a Harare polling station.

The large voter turnout and a verification process for a new biometric voter register caused delays at some polling stations, but all voters in line by the close of polls were allowed to cast their ballots.

An EU observer mission invited to the country for the first time in 16 years is looking into the delays, but said the process had largely been encouraging.

“We have to check if this is a single example or a pattern which might have influence on the result of the election,” noted Elmar Brok, the EU’s chief election observer. “Overall I must say people wanted to vote. They were in a good mood and this makes me optimistic.”

The economy dominated campaigning ahead of the vote.

Nelson Chamisa, leader of the MDC, the main opposition party, arrives to cast his vote at a polling station, July 30, 2018, in Harare, Zimbabwe. /VCG Photo

Hard-pressed Zimbabweans are hopeful of a post-election boost from new investment that’s reportedly waiting in the wings as international sentiment towards the Southern African nation starts to turn.

The outcome of the election has been difficult to predict with polls showing the main rivals enjoying almost similar support, although incumbent, Emmerson Mnangagwa is a marginal favorite.

“I have given Emmerson Mnangagwa a chance because he’s only been in power for a few months. He needs more time to fix things after Mugabe,” said Paul Tsoka, who voted at a polling station in Harare Central Business District.

“The country has been pushed to the brink and I am voting in the hope that it can be rescued,” Margaret Chitsiku said before she cast her ballot. “I am voting Chamisa I think if we can give him five years there will be some change,” she added.

Ahead of the election it was hard to predict the winner. Now that it’s over and votes are being counted, Zimbabweans are that much closer to knowing who their next leader will be.