IN 2008 Zimbabweans voted in the most crucial election since independence from Britain in 1980, with veteran President Robert Mugabe facing the biggest challenge of his 28-year-rule.
Zimbabwe 2008 Elections in Pictures
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President Robert Mugabe, centre right, welcomes South African President Thabo Mbeki, centre left, of South Africa at Harare International Airport, Saturday, April, 12, 2008. Mbeki was in Zimbabwe enroute to Zambia for a conference aimed at pushing the Zimbabwean government to release the results of the 2008 Presidential election.
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Electoral officials count ballots in Domboshawa, near the capital Harare Saturday, April 19, 2008. Officials began recounting votes for a couple dozen legislative seats, an exercise that could overturn the opposition's landmark victory. The ruling party is challenged the count in 23 constituencies, most won by the opposition.
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Women of Zimbabwe take to the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe Wednesday May, 28, 2008. The women were demonstrating against human rights abuses and called upon the Zimbabwean government to comply with the South African Development Community, SADC, principles governing elections which are set for June 27, 2008.
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The leader of a faction of Zimbabwe's main opposition party Arthur Mutambara (C) leaves the magistrates court in Harare June 3, 2008. Mutambara was granted bail and released from custody after his arrest for publishing an article critical of President Robert Mugabe.