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| Africa Subsaharan |
| Zimbabwe votes as the president known as 'the crocodile' seeks a second and final term |
| 2023-08-24 |
| [AFRICANEWS] Zimbabweans voted in closely-watched elections in which President Emmerson Mnangagwa is seeking a second term after a campaign tainted by a crackdown on the opposition, fears of vote rigging and public anger at the economic crisis. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 80, who came to power after a coup that deposed late ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017, squares off against Nelson Chamisa, 45, who leads the yellow-coloured Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party. Casting his ballot in his home town of Kwekwe, central Zimbabwe, a confident Mnangagwa -- nicknamed the 'Crocodile' for his determination -- told journalists: "If I think I'm not going to take it, then I will be foolish." "Everyone who contests should go into the race to win" "Peace, peace, peace and fairness, during before and after, peace peace. " "This time around there has been more awareness than in the past, I think we shall have a higher turnout this time around. And that besides now we have more than 6 million people registered as voters, last time we have only about 5 million, so there's (inaudible) a million more. And I think this time around there was quite publicity" he added, sporting his trademark multicoloured scarf. The opposition is hoping to ride a wave of discontent over the southern African country's economic woes that include graft, high inflation, unemployment and widespread poverty. |
| Posted by:Fred |