Zimbabwe Begins Recount; Opposition Rejects Move

Zimbabwe began a partial recount today of votes from last month’s parliamentary elections despite objections from the opposition party and fears that the deadlock could turn violent. The recount in 23 of 210 constituencies is expected to last 3 days and could reverse the initial results that handed defeat to the country’s ruling party, Reuters reports.

“We reject the process,” an opposition spokesman said. “The first results stand. Anything else will be an illegitimate process.” A 14-nation African team is observing the recount. Yesterday, petrol bombs were hurled at offices housing ballot boxes. All failed to explode. Meanwhile, today, Human Rights Watch said President Robert Muagbe’s ZANU-PF party beat and tortured opposition activists and intimidated voters into supporting the ruling party. (More Zimbabwe stories.)