Harare - Zimbabweans began casting their ballots on Wednesday in a fiercely contested election dominated by Robert Mugabe's bid to extend his 33-year rule and overshadowed by suspicions of vote-rigging.
Voters, some wrapped in blankets on a cold winter morning, started queuing up four hours before polling stations opened.
The general elections put President Robert Mugabe and his long-time rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, in another dramatic showdown for power.
Key facts about the vote:
* Almost 6.4 million Zimbabweans, out of a population of 12.9 million, are eligible to vote at 9 670 polling stations across the country
* Voting centres will be open from 7am until 7pm
* Most voters will vote for presidential and parliamentary candidates
* There are five presidential candidates: President Robert Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Dumiso Dabengwa, Welshman Ncube and Kinisoti Mukwazhe
* There are 210 parliamentary constituencies
* 60 seats are reserved for women
* 37 108 police officers and military personnel have already voted
* Voters will need to be 18 years and above to vote and will have to present a national identity card or a valid Zimbabwean passport
* The results are expected within five days
* If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff will be held, likely in September. - Sapa-AFP
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