Hope and Tension Both Run High as Zimbabwe Heads to the Polls

The iron-fisted Robert Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe for more than three decades. But as millions lined up to vote Wednesday, the authoritarian president has vowed to step down if he loses

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The iron-fisted Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s 33-year-strong president, is facing a familiar challenge at the ballot box. For the third time, prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai will attempt to take control from the authoritarian regime. But following on the heels of 2008’s bloody elections, Mugabe has vowed to step down if his Zanu-PF party loses. Critics remain skeptical about a free and fair election, but that didn’t stop millions from turning out to vote.

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