The Hindu : Massive turn-out on second day of voting

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 11, 2002

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International

Massive turn-out on second day of voting

HARARE MARCH. 10. Polls reopened for a second day of voting in Zimbabwe's historic presidential election after a first day that drew a massive turnout and cries of foul over inadequate polling stations in the pro-opposition cities.

Queues of hundreds and even thousands of voters were again waiting outside Harare polling stations as voting resumed at 7 am local time in the election pitting longtime ruler, Robert Mugabe, against Opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.

Electoral authorities have slashed the number of polling stations in urban areas by about 40 per cent according to the opposition, which has its strongest support in the cities.

The stations were relocated to rural areas, where Mr. Mugabe has focused his campaign.

Mr. Tsvangirai poses the most formidable challenge ever to Mr. Mugabe's 22-year rule, with rights groups and the independent press saying the former union boss could win if the vote is free and fair. Many voters had spent the night at the polling venues after being frustrated yesterday. ``We slept and now we are hoping to vote, but the process is being deliberately slowed,'' said Vincent Matsika outside a polling station.

— DPA

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