Mugabe's future on the line as Zimbabwe votes

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

HARARE (AFP) — Zimbabweans voted Saturday 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.

Large queues had formed outside polling booths by the time they opened at 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT), and the country's 5.9 million voters have 12 hours to choose a president, members of a 210-strong parliament and local councils.

Mugabe, in power in the former British colony since independence in 1980, faced a dual challenge from former finance minister Simba Makoni and Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

The election takes place as Zimbabwe is grappling with the impact of the world's highest rate of inflation -- officially...