Zimbabweans Remain Optimistic as They Vote In Historic Election
Zimbabweans are hoping for change after 37 years under the rule of Mugabe.
All eyes are on Zimbabwe, as the country heads to the poll to vote in a historic election: the first since the ousting of Robert Mugabe who ruled the country or 37 years.
The race is between incumbent President and Mugabe successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa and 40 year-old lawyer and pastor Nelson Chaimsa, who hopes to become the country's youngest leader in history. There are 21 other candidates on the ballot as well.
The youth will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this election, as many first-time voters under the age of 35 will cast ballots today.
READ: 'Seems it's Always a Farce': Zimbabweans in the Diaspora on Trying to Participate in the Upcoming Elections"
Voting has started in Zimbabwe. The country is holding its first election since the end of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year… https://t.co/9zMwrDglVU— AJ+ (@AJ+)1532958745.0
On Sunday, the country's former president Robert Mugabe held a surprise press conference to announce his plans to vote against the Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF—the political party which he founded—and called Chaimsa, the direct opposition candidate "the only viable candidate."
This election could signify a new turn for the Southern African nation, where about 5.5 million citizens are registered to vote, reports BBC Africa. There appears to be an air of optimism surrounding many Zimbabweans online as they see a major opportunity for change. So far, voter turnout has been notably high.
Read some of what people are saying about the election below.
Glad to have voted wisely in today's election. Well done Zimbabwe for the peaceful free and fair elections.— Paida Nyamakanga (@Paida Nyamakanga)1532963771.0
If this historic election is a story of the bravery of the people of Zimbabwe and their desire for more out of thei… https://t.co/uEfoLIXfbA— Saɓɛ́lo (@Saɓɛ́lo)1532961516.0
I’m ready to cast my vote for a new Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 #Zimbabwe #vote https://t.co/DHGKcVvLKQ— Miss Noma (@Miss Noma)1532926044.0
Fascinating, tense, important elections goin on in Zimbabwe today. Will be interesting to see how ZANU-PF will do… https://t.co/FqN6MmaBOL— Tepid War (@Tepid War)1532964320.0
When #ZanuPF meets #MDC. From #Harare (#Zimbabwe 🇿🇼) today. #ElectionsZW https://t.co/qjE5jo6tyL— Thomas van Linge (@Thomas van Linge)1532808409.0
Not a single liberation movement has lost power in Southern African countries, Frelimo in Mozambique, African natio… https://t.co/BvwVQio1co— zubra mchenge (@zubra mchenge)1532964257.0
The atmosphere here by prospect primary polling station is wild. This is a true indication for a new Zimbabwe in the making. #ZimDecides2018— /Sika_marazor/ (@/Sika_marazor/)1532964197.0
In Warren Park where I have just met this man. He says he wants whoever wins the next election to help him get his… https://t.co/Z4hUAYKBIr— stanley kwenda (@stanley kwenda)1532960980.0
If Mnangagwa is voted out, democracy will have visited Zimbabwe in 38 years.— Kadendi Wachosi (@Kadendi Wachosi)1532964171.0
@nelsonchamisa Hopping by tomorrow morning we gonna be stepping in a new zimbabwe— Dumisani (@Dumisani)1532963560.0
