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Low Turnout for Zimbabwe's 1-Man Poll

Citizens choose bread line over ballot box in meaningless vote

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 27, 2008 8:03 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Polls are open in Zimbabwe's meaningless presidential runoff vote, with Robert Mugabe running uncontested. Reuters reports that turnout is low several hours into the vote—unlike March's elections, which saw voters wait for hours in snaking lines. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who dropped out earlier this week to prevent further bloodshed, told his supporters that they should abstain, or vote if they thought their lives were in danger.

A reporter in an affluent Harare suburb saw dozens of Zimbabweans standing in line for bread—which now costs 6 billion Zimbabwe dollars, or 150 times more than in March—but almost nobody at a nearby polling station. "I need to get food first and then maybe I can go and vote," said one man. "I heard there could be trouble for those who don't."

A ballot paper is held as Zimbabweans queue on election day in Harare, Friday, June, 27, 2008. Zimbabwe's one-candidate presidential runoff got off to a slow start Friday, contrasting with the sense of excitement and hope voters had brought to the first round.
A ballot paper is held as Zimbabweans queue on election day in Harare, Friday, June, 27, 2008. Zimbabwe's one-candidate presidential runoff got off to a slow start Friday, contrasting with the sense of...   (AP Photo)
Voters cast their ballots on election day in Harare, Friday, June, 27, 2008.
Voters cast their ballots on election day in Harare, Friday, June, 27, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A voter casts her ballot on election day in Harare, Friday, June, 27, 2008.
A voter casts her ballot on election day in Harare, Friday, June, 27, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Zimbabweans wait in a queue on election day in Harare, Friday, June, 27, 2008. Zimbabwe's one-candidate presidential runoff got off to a slow start Friday, contrasting with the sense of excitement and hope voters had brought to the first round.
Zimbabweans wait in a queue on election day in Harare, Friday, June, 27, 2008. Zimbabwe's one-candidate presidential runoff got off to a slow start Friday, contrasting with the sense of excitement and...   (AP Photo)
Zimbabwean Zanu pf supporters, listen to President Robert Mugabe at his final rally in Chitungwiza, Thursday, June,26, 2008.
Zimbabwean Zanu pf supporters, listen to President Robert Mugabe at his final rally in Chitungwiza, Thursday, June,26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
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Tsvangirai's name remains on the ballot
Financial Times (UK)

Observer says turnout is 'pathetic'
Bloomberg

 
Zimbabwe • Robert Mugabe • Morgan Tsvangirai • Zimbabwe elections

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