Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Excitement High as Zimbabwe Holds First Post-Mugabe Election

by Anita Powell

   HARARE, ZIMBABWE --

   Zimbabweans voted Monday in a pivotal election that could, many hope,
   turn around the nation's shattered economy and tarnished reputation
   after 38 years of iron-fisted rule under former leader Robert Mugabe.

   The two main presidential rivals voted Monday morning, and each said
   they were confident of victory. This poll is effectively a two-way race
   between President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over after Mugabe's
   resignation in November, and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

   In Harare, the capital, younger voters turned out in force to cast
   their votes. Many were so eager that they appeared long before polls
   opened at 7 a.m.

   "I came here last night, I slept outside of the gate, because I was
   afraid of the queue since I want to vote early," said 23-year-old Rolta
   Taika.

   When asked who she supports, she smiled and said, "It's my secret." But
   she made her desires known: "We want to have some jobs so we can care
   for ourselves and our parents and live a better life."