#ZimElectionUpdate with @Bulawayo24News #AroundZimbabwe - Live Update

Hon. Biti claims that his name is not on the Voters Roll at Gletywn Polling Stn. Shawasha,Hre East and hence he could not vote.He says he will seek legal recourse & is hopeful that he will be able to vote before end of the day. He has just left @GomoDubi @LloydMsipa @violetgonda pic.twitter.com/xAJKhzrjQu

— Kudzai Rangarirai (@KRangarirai) July 30, 2018

Hapana zvamunombotiita. Bayirai X pana Chamisa Chete Chete. Harare alone will finish Mnangagwa, go and vote! #KwekweHimJuly30 pic.twitter.com/inh3IxPVYq

— Edmund Kudzayi (@EdmundKudzayi) July 30, 2018

This man interviewed here about @ZECzim allegedly reporting Chamisa and his views on the election failed to understand the questions asked in English by an @eNCA reporter not sure how they got to interview him in the first place #ElectionsZW #Elections2018 #ZimbabweDecides2018 pic.twitter.com/XIdpFBXU3D

— Gilbert.Navonika (@GNavonika) July 30, 2018

MDC-T leader, Dr Thokozani Khupe votes at Stanley Square, Bulawayo.

Chairperson Justice Chigumba says the highest number of voters at a single polling station is 1000.

Veld fire disrupts the voting process at New Donnington Farm polling station in Norton. Polling agents and officers, and police details have abandoned the process as they joined farm workers to put out the fire which broke put out at 11: 30 am #Zw2018 #zimelections2018 pic.twitter.com/oVbsdtW6E2

— The Herald Zimbabwe (@HeraldZimbabwe) July 30, 2018

Grace Mugabe said she feels good about this election

Judge Vally orders spouses of Heads of State do not qualify for immunity. DIRCO Minister is responsible for costs. If Dr Grace Mugabe does come to SA again, she risks arrest. #GraceMugabe @eNCA see order below. pic.twitter.com/pj77uT77Et

— Annika Larsen (@AnnikaLarsen1) July 30, 2018

ZEC chair Priscilla Chigumba gives her first Election Day update. She says 90% of polling stations opened on time. Turnout is high, but voting will be completed by the scheduled 7PM closing time. pic.twitter.com/3u1nAndbqv

— newZWire (@newswireZW) July 30, 2018

Mugabe has arrived to vote out Mnangagwa

Chairperson Justice Chigumba reminds observers and the media that it is in violation of the code of conduct to interview a voter on their way to or from the voting process or at the polling stations.

Chairperson Justice Chigumba says at least two presidential candidates yesterday violated the Electoral Act by publishing or cause the publication of what can be deemed as campaign messages 24 hours within the polling date.

Chigumba says voting is progressing well across the country.

Chigumba says "today is election day and we want peace"

Chigumba says vote turnout has been high

Chigumba says two presidential candidates (no names) have violated the Electoral Act by campaigning after deadline

Chigumba reminds observers and the media that it is in violation of the code of conduct to interview a voter on their way to or from the voting process or at the polling stations.

ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba says as at 08:00 this morning, 90% of the 10 985 polling stations had opened.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is giving an update on the voting and situation at polling stations.

Pamberi nemi gogo. Maita basa shuwa. ZanuPF comrades, especially you G40 comrades, if gogo can did it & talj about it without fear, you can also did it. Still lots of time to did it. Go & vote for Great Zimbabwe by voting for #Chamisa. #Handeitione! pic.twitter.com/OxBuKyBgKd

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) July 30, 2018

The decision to grant former Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity is "inconsistent with the constitution", the South Gauteng High Court found on Monday.

Judge Bashier Vally set aside the decision by former international relations and cooperation minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. Vally said Nkoana-Mashabane's decision had been inconsistent with provisions in the constitution.

The ministry has also been ordered to pay the costs of the application‚ brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA).

The wife of former president Robert Mugabe was accused of assaulting South African model Gabriella Engels at a Johannesburg hotel‚ where Mugabe's two sons were staying.

Engels sustained deep cuts to her forehead and the back of her head and registered a case with the police the next day. But the state granted Mugabe immunity‚ saying it was imperative to maintain good intergovernmental relations within the region‚ and in particular‚ between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The DA and AfriForum approached the courts to set the decision aside soon after

EU chief Observor is concerned about how people are complaining on the pace of the process. There's confusion about sub polling stations#LetsGoVoteZW #ElectionsZW pic.twitter.com/7yM3DoQj5H

— #LetsGoVoteZW (@bustoptv) July 30, 2018

We have very serious concerns about the ink used by @ZEC which comes off easily. These husband & wife voters got it off easily - especially the husband’s finger on the right. ZEC has also barred infrared checking machines. Why? @eueomzimbabwe @SADC_News pic.twitter.com/7xMwzMfynk

— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) July 30, 2018

I and my eldest son cast our votes at BURNSIDE Garage tent after he flew in from Joburg early this morning. Now he is checked in and ready to fly back to Joburg. pic.twitter.com/OfdkguC0eP

— Welshman Ncube (@Welshman_Ncube) July 30, 2018

President Cyril Ramaphosa on the #ZimbabweElections2018 (@tshidi_lee) pic.twitter.com/5Llyfskpnx

— Team News24 (@TeamNews24) July 30, 2018

This is where results will be announced, at the Harare International Conference Centre

#Zimbabwedecides2018 this is where results will be announced, at the Harare International Conference Centre
Photo credit @tafichisvo pic.twitter.com/mW1c0HqMUm

— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) July 30, 2018

MDC-T leader, Dr Thokozani Khupe to cast her vote at Stanley Square in Bulawayo at 12 midday.

I don't need to tell you what constituency this is and who it will vote for! @arnoldmutavayi @NMusandu @shonatiger @iMisred pic.twitter.com/EOxuG69llt

— #blackjew (@nematombo) July 30, 2018

Zimbabweans braved the cold weather to cast their vote in the country's elections. #Zw2018 pic.twitter.com/bm58eh5djS

— Zimpapers Images (@ZimpapersI) July 30, 2018

While other international broadcasters have allocated a lot of airtime to the Zimbabwe election - giving minute by minute updates from events countrywide, Zimbabwe's state broadcaster, ZBC TV is screening regular programmes.

ZBC TV only broke off the normal programming to air Mnangagwa casting his vote, the report says.

Celebrating Zimbabwean democracy.

The voice of the people is the voice of God! pic.twitter.com/Qdv79bAHh3

— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) July 30, 2018

What Zimbabwe needs is a clean break from Mugabe's ways https://t.co/shPsZLnWnX — #AJOpinion pic.twitter.com/awzxynSarf

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 30, 2018

People’s Rainbow Coalition president, Joice Mujuru casts her vote at Oriel Girls High School in Harare. pic.twitter.com/YtIsYnr7JS

— ZBC News Online (@ZBCNewsonline) July 30, 2018

Here goes. No more tick tock. The hour has come. This is it. #KwekweHim. Reject Mnangagwa, the gukurahundist. Reject his ZanuPF. Vote for real change. Look out for candidate number 2 on the presidential ballot paper. Use your own pen & vote for Chamisa, Nelson, MDC-Alliance! pic.twitter.com/phje6uDNBD

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) July 30, 2018

Zimbabwe's state-run Herald newspaper is harshly criticising main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa on election day, calling him a proxy for former leader Robert Mugabe and rejecting his claims to represent change.

The front-page commentary follows Sunday's remarks by the 94-year-old Mugabe that he would not vote for his former deputy President Emmerson Mnangagwa and that Chamisa is the only viable candidate.

"Now this is the man who tries a comeback by proxy," The Herald says. Addressing the 40-year-old Chamisa, it continues: "You willingly become his cat's paw while masquerading as an independent man representing a new generation." - AP

A politician in the Zimbabwean opposition stronghold of Bulawayo says there are numerous reports of "voting going at a snail's pace."

David Coltart, a supporter of opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, says he hopes election observers will pay special attention to the pace of voting "as it is a means of suppressing the urban vote."

Coltart says on Twitter that Zimbabwe's electoral commission deliberately slowed voting in urban areas in the 2002 election to undermine the opposition, which traditionally has strong support in major cities. Past elections have been marred by irregularities.

But Zimbabwe's electoral commission says this election - the first without longtime leader Robert Mugabe - will be free and fair. - AP

Mnangagwa leaves the polling station after casting his ballot at Sherwood Primary School in Kwekwe. (Jekesai Njikizana, AFP)

Minister of Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security, Supa Mandiwanzira casts his vote at Manjoro Primary School in Ward 22, Nyanga South.

Best Voter in Zimbabwe hoping this election will get him a job pic.twitter.com/xlNgFwlwCk

— Seanp (@Seanp90640241) July 30, 2018

"Dzivaresekwa Extension the pace is painstakinly slow. Huge turn out but we're being frustrated"

"I cast my vote in ward 15 Zvimba North,Mutorashanga.
A lot of people wake up very early to elect the president,mp and councillors.
It was so peaceful but a lot of people who were in the queue were talking for a change.They want fresh ideas."

Former President Mugabe dosing while his wife Grace Looks aside during a press conference at his home in Harare, July 29, 2018.-(Picture by John Manzongo). pic.twitter.com/YX7LYFGuzW

— Zimpapers Images (@ZimpapersI) July 29, 2018

Former President Robert Mugabe's aide placing cushions behind his back during a press conference while his wife Grace looks on, at their home in Harare, July 29, 2018.-(Picture by John Manzongo) pic.twitter.com/fIV8AafeuH

— Zimpapers Images (@ZimpapersI) July 29, 2018

MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa casts his vote at Kuwadzana 2 Primary School in Harare, July 30, 2018.-(Picture by Aaron Nyamayaro) pic.twitter.com/2vACSg1QEY

— Zimpapers Images (@ZimpapersI) July 30, 2018

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa casts her vote at Sherwood Primary School in Kwekwe, July 30, 2018.-(Picture by John Manzongo) pic.twitter.com/XrHRfAGp4E

— Zimpapers Images (@ZimpapersI) July 30, 2018

Mnangagwa wore a scarf with the country's national colors as he arrived at a primary school converted into a polling station, and chatted briefly with election workers after casting his ballot.

He told reporters that he is committed to a Zimbabwe in which people have the "freedom to express their views, negative or positive."

He called the vote peaceful. And he took the criticism of him by former leader Robert Mugabe on Sunday in stride, saying that "He is a citizen ... He can engage me anytime."

President Emmerson Mnangagwa casts his vote at Sherwood Primary School in Kwekwe, July 30, 2018.-(Picture by John Manzong) pic.twitter.com/xKvcaM1GDf

— Zimpapers Images (@ZimpapersI) July 30, 2018

"I'm hoping now is the time that people will be able to express their wishes and choose their own leader for this country."

Zimbabweans vote in first poll since 1980 without Robert Mugabe on the ballot https://t.co/OH2BLOYrWh pic.twitter.com/kWxflbwtj9

— Al Jazeera News (@AJENews) July 30, 2018

He is a first time voter and he was the first one to vote at Hillside Pry School #Asakhe #zimelection2018 #ZimDecide2018 @zenzele @povozim pic.twitter.com/bvlI5Rikeg

— Cite (@citezw) July 30, 2018

AP is reporting that Piercing whistles and cheers greeted Chamisa as he voteed in the country's historic election.

Crowds swarmed the 40-year-old lawyer and pastor at a polling station just outside Harare.

Chamisa is challenging the 75-year-old President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe's first election without Robert Mugabe on the ballot.

The contest could bring international legitimacy and investment or signal more stagnation if the vote is seriously flawed.

#ZimElections2018 - Chamisa: "We will have a new emphatic voice for Zimbabwe by the end of today."

Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/SrNv3uHyFs

— eNCA (@eNCA) July 30, 2018

“The people are voting.. for freedom, democracy and a new Zimbabwe” - Nelson Chamisa after voting, in an utterly chaotic media scrum pic.twitter.com/lHv0ds7Gqd

— Piers Scholfield (@inglesi) July 30, 2018

Our president! Chamisa Chamisa! Crowd chants as opposition candidate Nelson Chamisa cast his vote in the presidential elections #ZimbabweanElections pic.twitter.com/BhLxVuiCWN

— Liselott Lindström (@lliselott) July 30, 2018

A grand arrival at the polling station Long and winding queues Kuwadzana 2 Primary School -
Capitalk 100.4FM
‏

Arriving at Chiunye Primary School B Polling Station in Mt Darwin in Zimbabwe to exercise my right to vote! Zimbabwe woye❌ #ZimbabweDecides2018 #ZimbabweVotes #Zimbabwe @ZECzim pic.twitter.com/Pxx1kQStRH

— Dr. James Makamba (@MakambaJames) July 30, 2018

MEDIA ALERT: @IRIglobal & @NDI are on-the-ground for the #Zimbabwe election. DM for on-the-ground interviews. #ZimbabweDecides2018 pic.twitter.com/vFNeGctfLp

— Morgan Martinez (@MorganLMartinez) July 30, 2018

@Europarl_EN multi party political team heads out of #Harare to Mashonaland West to observe in more rural locations#ZimElections2018 #ZimbabweDecides2018 pic.twitter.com/NsZrgcINg7

— Neena Gill MEP (@NeenaGmep) July 30, 2018

An elections officer applies indelible ink to a voter finger during early morning voting in Kwekwe as Zimbabwe conducts a general election. Picture: Jekesai Njikizana, AFP)

A voter arrives at a polling station during early morning voting in Kwekwe as Zimbabwe conducts a general election. (Jekesai Njikizana, AFP)

#ZimElections2018 #ZimbabweDecides2018 voters making their choice at Sherwood Primary School polling station just outside Kwekwe where President @edmnangagwa will be voting. A consistent hope expressed by voters here is for an escape from the past to a better life. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/nU2rajVCcS

— Peter Ndoro (@peterndoro) July 30, 2018

Not very long queue, but it's moving at snail's pace... We'll be patient though! We have the whole day to decide our fate and that of our children. #GodIsInIt #ZimbabweDecides2018 pic.twitter.com/tUPoCAdHGz

— Time Mthokozis Gumbo (@TimeLEG_ZW) July 30, 2018

Voters line up to cast their ballots in Chamisa’s constituency #ZimbabweDecides2018 pic.twitter.com/e8dWRkVAV5

— Krista Mahr (@kristamahr) July 30, 2018

Reports from ZBC reporters dotted across the country say people started queuing at polling stations as early as 5am. -ZBC

Long queues formed around the country as Zimbabweans braved the cold weather to cast their votes in historic elections, pic.twitter.com/8HfFlKDZUy

— The Herald Zimbabwe (@HeraldZimbabwe) July 30, 2018

1 National ID/VALID Passport
2 Mobile phone
3 Water
4 Powerbank
5 Umbrella/sunhat/extra sweater
6 Wrap or collapsible chair
7 Snacks- mints/biscuits/ fruits
8 Cash for emergencies
9 Emergency #s (ESR-08080234)
10 Sunscreen
#LetsGoVoteZW #ElectionsZW

I have voted for first time ever; am proud to have taken part in deciding the future of Zimbabwe and future generations. The votingprocess is going on smoothly at Blackstone Primary School. @ZECzim @Wamagaisa @hrw @ZESN1 @ pic.twitter.com/J643Eb8ShG

— Talent (@talentndige) July 30, 2018

#ElectionsZW Massive turnout at Avonlea Primary. 3 polling stations, each voter taking 3 to 5 minutes once inside - #DefendYourVote
‏

Past elections were marred by violence, intimidation and irregularities, but Mnangagwa, a former enforcer for Mugabe who says he now represents change, has promised that this election will be free and fair.

The presence of Western election monitors for the first time in years is an indicator of a freer political environment, though concerns have been raised about state media bias toward the ruling party as well as a lack of transparency with the printing of ballot papers.

Inside polling stations on Monday, voters were given three ballot papers: one for their presidential pick, another for member of parliament and a third for local councilor. Polling officers helped voters put each ballot paper in the right box. - AP

Former Liberian president and a leader of one of the international observer missions, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, says:

"This is a critical moment in Zimbabwe's democratic journey. The elections today provide an opportunity to break with the past,"

"The lines and voter enthusiasm we are seeing this morning must be matched by an accurate count and their choice must be honored."

Sirleaf said this at a polling station in a school in Harare. - AP

Nelson Chamisa is expected to cast his vote at Kuwadzana Primary School polling station

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to arrive at the polling station at 10:00 am at Sherwood Primary School in Kwekwe Midlands Region in Zimbabwe. Watch #sabcnews channel 404 for update.

— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) July 30, 2018

Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to vote at Sherwood Primary school polling station in Kwekwe

Voters have already started casting their votes

ELECTION DAY: Voters at the Kudzwana Primary School polling station. MDC Alliance's Presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa is expected to cast his vote at this polling station today.#ZimElections2018 #ZimDecides2018 #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/mqfvfPDKKq

— nbcnews (@newsonnbc) July 30, 2018

#Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa says now it’s clear to all that Chamisa (main opposition leader for Zimbabwe ) has forged a deal with Mugabe ... Zimbabwe politics lots of moving parts, who knows what will happen in the next few days pic.twitter.com/1VIko13u5M

— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) July 29, 2018

South Africa's DA leader Mmusi Maimane has tweeted to wish the opposition Movement for Democratic Change success in the elections

"Wishing the MDC success in elections. Democracy requires that we hold parties accountable and as my late friend Morgan would say, Zim must see post liberation era politics. Zanu mustn’t trick people into a belief that a change of leader is a change of party. AFRICA needs change."

Wishing the MDC success in elections. Democracy requires that we hold parties accountable and as my late friend Morgan would say, Zim must see post liberation era politics. Zanu mustn’t trick people into a belief that a change of leader is a change of party. AFRICA needs change pic.twitter.com/PS6M1MBHfo

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) July 30, 2018

Mixed races, more males than females at Bradfield shopping centre - HABAKKUK TRUST

"Good Morning Zimbabwe. As we all go to vote today for our different candidates of choice, let’s remain at peace with each other and remember that we are one people seeking to see Zimbabwe grow in every aspect. Vote peacefully."

#ZimbabweDecides

Early bird❌ #ZimbabweDecides pic.twitter.com/kx19Fc5SF0

— Tatenda🇿🇼 (@Confiant_man) July 29, 2018

FAITH WITH WORKS



Psalms 124:7-8, We have escaped like a bird

from the fowler’s snare;

the snare has been broken,

and we have escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.



Done my part!

#Zimvotes2018
- @ShingiMunyeza on Twitter

The MDC Alliance numbers: 0778371424, 0773010749, 0773010739, 0772364133, 0773013734, 0773010662, 0773205264 *******

#Zimbabwedecides2018 polling stations open in 30 minutes. This is in Mbare, a suburb in Harare. My colleague @MalcolmWebb is in Matabeleland #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/tgrbgP1NlS

— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) July 30, 2018