Zimbabweans start voting in the first elections since Mugabe's withdrawal

Zimbabweans began voting on Monday in the first election since the dismissal of former President Robert Mugabe, a decisive vote that they hope to rid the country of its global pariah status and unleash a recovery in its failing economy.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a 75-year-old longtime ally of Robert Mugabe, will face Nelson Chamisa, a 40-year-old lawyer and pastor who aspires to become the youngest Zimbabwean head of state

. ] Voting began at 7:00 am (05:00 GMT) and will end at 7:00 pm

Polls entrust former secret service chief Mr. Mnangagwa, who succeeded the army after the overthrow of M Mugabe by a bloody coup in November.

There will be a second round on September 8 if no candidate wins more than half of the votes.

Nicknamed "the Crocodile", an animal famed in the Zimbabwean tradition for its stealth and cruelty, Mr. Mnangagwa promised to revive a moribund economy, attract foreign investment and repair racial and tribal divisions .

Enthusiastic voters lined the streets of the capital Harare before sunrise

"ZANU-PF is the only one voted for," said Elizabeth Kamhunga, 67, after having voted "We may have made some mistakes but I think President Mnangagwa is the only person who has Zimbabwe's interests in the soul."

million. Chamisa, a charismatic speaker who refined his craft in the audience hall and pulpit, appealed to young voters and the unemployed who are frustrated by nearly four decades of the reign of the African Union of Zimbabwe. – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF)

"This is a historic day". Fabian Matsika, a security guard who woke up at 4:30 to go to his polling station on the outskirts of the capital.

"I will vote for Chamisa because it is a vote for change, it is a vote for youth. Tomorrow we will have a new president."

At a Surprise intervention Sunday, Mugabe said he would vote for the opposition, turning to his allies.

million. Mnangagwa then accused his former boss of dealing with Mr. Chamisa, but provided no evidence.

For Zimbabwe to be reintegrated into the international community, put an end to painful sanctions and get the donor funding program it needs to stem chronic shortages. to be credible at least.

There have been reports of intimidation and coercion in the preparation for voting and the state media are biased towards ZANU-PF, but there is a consensus that the process has been better that & # 39; before. 19659004] Mr. Mnangagwa hosted in foreign media and international observers from the European Union, the United States and the Commonwealth, who observe polling stations across the country of southern Africa.

Put Zimbabwe back on track after Mugabe's 37-year rule of domination that has been tainted by corruption, mismanagement and diplomatic isolation, putting one of Africa's most promising economies in crisis.