Zimbabweans voted in the country's closely watched parliamentary election yesterday, as opposition groups and watchdog organisations accused the government of intimidation and unfair conduct of the poll.

In contrast with previous elections in 2000 and 2002, reports of violence - or serious irregularities - were minimal. However, there were some allegations of intimidation of voters, and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change claimed that, whatever the outcome, "the election cannot be judged free and fair".