Early results declared in Zimbabwe poll

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission today began long-delayed announcement of official results of presidential and legislative elections with the opposition winning three of the first six parliamentary seats declared.

The opposition already has claimed victory in the vote that posed the biggest threat ever to President Robert Mugabe’s 28-year rule.

Deputy chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana made the announcement, broadcast live on state radio and television, with the declaration of six parliamentary seats – three for Mr Mugabe’s ruling party, three for the opposition.