Mugabe's rival speaks about election
05:32 - Source: CNN

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Mugabe's party says there's "no doubt" he has won

His main rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, declares the vote "null and void"

Tsvangirai alleges widespread fraud; Mugabe's party calls allegations "stupid"

CNN  — 

The African Union on Friday applauded Zimbabwe for holding peaceful elections, and made no mention of rigging accusations by the main opposition candidate.

Vote counting was under way in the election that pitted incumbent President Robert Mugabe against Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai for the third time.

Mugabe, 89, has been at led Zimbabwe since 1980, the first seven years as prime minister. He is the only ruler the nation has known since it gained independence.

Even though the nation’s electoral commission has not released any numbers, a ruling party official claimed victory.

“There is no doubt whatsoever that we have seen results everywhere in the country so far that ZANU-PF has won,” said Didymus Mutasa, a party secretary.

Tsvangirai’s party called the vote “null and void,” alleging widespread fraud.

“I believe that the election is free and fair,” she told journalists. “Maybe the reports that will come out will vindicate my view of the election as free and fair.”

He said irregularities included voter intimidation, unauthorized voter migration and lack of transparency in printing ballot boxes.

But Mutasa dismissed the fraud allegations.

“That is stupidity. If all the leaders were as stupid as Tsvangirai, the world would be a very sad place to live in,” he said.

Opinion: Is Zimbabwe ready for elections?

‘Evidence of manipulation’

The election marks an end to an uneasy coalition government between the two leaders. It was formed after violence marred the last balloting. At least 200 people were killed and thousands were injured in post-election violence in 2008.

Regional leaders dismissed that election as a sham and pressured Mugabe to form a power-sharing agreement with Tsvangirai and his opposition Movement for Democratic Change. As a result, the two bitter rivals entered into a tense coalition in 2009.

Rights groups accuse the government of intimidating and beating up opposition supporters and interfering with the polls. Mugabe’s party denies the accusations.

But Mugabe has denied the accusations and extended a conciliatory message to his main rival.

“I’ve got my fair share of criticisms and also dealt back rights and lefts and uppercuts. But that’s the game. Although we boxed each other, with Tsvangirai, it’s not as hostile as before. It’s all over now. We can now shake hands,” Mugabe said.

Mugabe to West: Back off

The elections were held under a new constitution endorsed in a March referendum that limits the president to two five-year terms. Mugabe is allowed to seek another term because the rule does not apply retroactively.

Last week, he had a few words for critics of the upcoming election, especially the West.

“Keep your pink nose out of our affairs, please,” he said in response to criticisms from the United States on his push for elections without key reforms.

About 6.4 million voters in Zimbabwe – half of the country’s population – were eligible to cast their ballots, according to the electoral commission.

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‘A historic day for all’

Citizens say this year’s election is crucial in more ways than one. Despite the setbacks, it provides another shot at democracy.

Despite the setbacks, it provides another shot at democracy.

“We are still a young country … our democracy is still young,” said Nigel Mugamu, who lives in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare. “A lot of African countries have changed leadership at least once or twice. We haven’t seen a new face. From that perspective, it’s an exciting time. Will this be the moment it will happen?”

Hope after hyperinflation

Mugamu said a peaceful election will help boost investment. This is the first poll since Zimbabwe battled hyperinflation that left investors jittery and led many to abandon the country’s currency.

This is the first poll since Zimbabwe battled hyperinflation that left investors jittery and led many to abandon the country’s currency.

In 2009, the nation introduced a 100 trillion-dollar bill that was worth about $300 in U.S. currency. At the time, a loaf of bread cost about 300 billion Zimbabwean dollars.

The hyperinflation forced traders to insist on international currency to hedge against losses. They preferred the U.S. dollar or South African rand, and most workers demanded their salaries in foreign currency.

Despite widespread poverty, the nation has made major strides since then, experts say.

Despite widespread poverty, the nation has made major strides in its economy since then, experts say.

Since then, the nation’s gross domestic product “has grown by an average of over 7% and inflation has remained in the low single digits. Government revenues have more than doubled from 16% of GDP in 2009 to an estimated 36% of GDP in 2012, allowing the restoration of basic public services.”

And as the nation returns from the brink of a crippled economy, Zimbabweans are hopeful.

“I hope Zimbabweans turn out to vote in huge numbers,” she said. “Whoever wins, the country needs to move forward.”

Journalist Columbus Mavhunga contributed from Harare, and‎ CNN’s Brian Walker from Atlanta.