HARARE, Zimbabwe — Millions of Zimbabweans cast ballots on Monday in a general election that many hoped would earn the endorsement of Western governments and win economic assistance needed to repair decades of misrule under Robert Mugabe. Election observers from Europe and the United States, long barred by Mr. Mugabe, joined local organizations in monitoring the vote. In the past two elections, Ms. Simbo added, she had sheltered friends fleeing violence at the hands of the ruling ZANU-PF party and the police. The race for the top position — pitting President Emmerson Mnangagwa against the main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa — was considered too close to call. Both candidates campaigned on pledges to improve the economy, create jobs and attract foreign investment.

Source: New York Times July 30, 2018 14:10 UTC