Zimbabweans vote in crucial elections

Simba Makoni at a rally

Zimbabweans are voting in an election which could bring an end to President Robert Mugabe's 28-year rule as his country buckles under the weight of the world's highest inflation rate. Long queues formed outside polling booths before they opened at seven this morning.

The almost six million Zimbabwean voters have until 7pm today to choose a president, members of a 210-strong parliament and local councils. Mugabe, who has been in power since independence in 1980, faces a dual challenge from his former finance minister Simba Makoni and opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

Makoni casts his vote
Simba Makoni has meanwhile cast his vote at the Mandara shopping centre in eastern Harare. He says he is confident of ousting his old boss.

Makoni, who has previously predicted that he would win 72% of the votes, says his final tally should be more than his initial prediction.