Elections- Sitrep number 1

In many Stations the Presiding Officers are not allowing

the full contingent of polling agents for political parties access because of

 congestion. Where space does exist we are insisting of the full 

contingent

 (one per candidate) and in others we are acceding to less to use the

 available space.

 Long queues formed early this morning at all stations – it is clear that

 polling will not be concluded by 19.00 hrs tonight at many stations. The

 indications are that there is going to be a heavy turnout and this bodes

 well for the elections and the opposition.

 In rural areas initial reports are similar but logistical difficulties

 present themselves in many areas. This was expected. No major infringes 

of

 the electoral Act have come to our attention  yet and minor ones are 

being

attended to. ZEC staff have been very good so far in dealing with queries

 and problems.

 Eddie Cross

 10.00 hrs Bulawayo