Election organisers confident of smooth poll

Zimbabwe election organisers said on Thursday they were confident of a smooth ballot this weekend despite warnings by observers of widespread intimidation and violence. “We have planned this very carefully, down to the last detail,” Professor Mariyawanda Nzuwah, chairman of the Election Directorate, told a news conference in Harare. “We have done all the work to ensure this election goes off well. Now it is down to the voters.”

Electoral officials said voting would take place at over 4,000 polling stations scattered across the country, from 7 am to 7 pm (0500 to 1700 GMT) on Saturday and Sunday. Counting would begin on Monday morning with the first constituency results expected later that day. Officials said a final tally could be announced by late Tuesday, but Wednesday was a more realistic target.

Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri, who also spoke at the news conference, said at least one police officer would be present at every polling station, but more would be on duty at potential trouble-spots. “There are enough to deal with any disorderly situations or mischievousness from whoever or whatever quarter,” he said.