Zimbabwe opposition claims ‘primitive’ vote rigging as ballot papers mysteriously run short

A week before Zimbabwe’s crucial election, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said everything was in place. Addressing journalists and election observers on 17 August, ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba said: “The commission has procured all essential electoral materials and has delivered 80% of them to provinces under police escort.” She added: “I would like to assure you that we have everything in place be it legal, social or any other requirement and we are eager to conduct a free, fair and credible election.” According to News24, on Wednesday, ballot papers were missing or misprinted, and some polling stations went as late as 5pm- for a vote due to end at two hours later- without ballot papers.