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Zimbabwe Voters Face Long Lines, Document Checks, Multiple Ballots


Independent electoral observers of Zimbabwe's presidential and general elections set for Saturday say voters must understand how to cast their votes properly to prevent a large number of ballots being rejected as spoiled. Civic groups and some opposition candidates are concerned that many voters are confused about the process.

Because presidential, house of assembly, senate and local council elections are being held at once, ballots will be color-coded. A white one will be used for the presidential vote. The house races will be registered on blue ballots while a green ballot will be cast for the senate. Local councils will be elected with yellow ballots.

Vice Chairwoman Irene Petras of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network told reporter Carole Gombakomba of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that voters must bring the right documentation to the polls and be sure to get into line by 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, Harare has refused to accredit many international news organizations from covering the elections, including CNN and South Africa’s e-tv.

The press freedom group Reporters Without Borders has warned the observers from the African Development Community that media freedom is key to free elections.

Reporter Wilma Consul of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe reported.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...

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