Voting Starts in Zimbabwe Election

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SelectPlusVoting Starts in Zimbabwe ElectionVoting Starts in Zimbabwe ElectionThe Associated PressZimbabwe's one-candidate presidential runoff has gotten off to a slow start. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai dropped out of the election this week because of violence in the country. (June 27)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] Voting in Zimbabwe's one-candidate presidential runoff election is off to a slow start. At the main polling station in the nation's capital -- only a handful of people were present when the polls opened. And reports from other voting places: an even small turnout. Friday's turnout is a stark contrast to the first round of voting in March -- when Zimbabweans from around the country lined up to cast their ballot. But that election didn't net a clear-cut winner ... So a runoff between sitting president Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai (SVAHNG'-uh-eye) was ordered. Between that vote in March and now ... Violence. The bloodshed led to opposition leader Tsvangirai dropping out, saying winning wasn't worth getting people killed.SOT: Condi Rice and UK Leader"this kind of sham could not produce a legit outcome.""there is no legiticimacy for a govt claiming election on today's events." In a message to his backers on Friday -- Tsvangirai says the outcome will reflect only the fear of the people of Zimbabwe. He added he expects voters to be threatened ... And is telling them not to resist. Robert Mugabe has been president of Zimbabwe since 19-80. Currently his nation has the worst hyper-inflation in the world and 80 percent unemployment. ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****) ANCHOR VOICE:-------------------------VIDEO PRODUCER: Kevin White------------------------------VIDEO SOURCE: APTN--------------------------VIDEO APPROVAL:------------------------------VIDEO RESTRICTIONS:----------------------------------SCRIPT/WIRE SOURCE:------------------------------------

Keywords: election, elections, starts, voting, zimbabwe