The elections are a chance for Zimbabweans "to choose what is free and fair", President Robert Mugabe said after casting his ballot Wednesday.

"It's an opportunity for the nation to demonstrate their own wishes as to what must be done and that, of course, means choosing the party they think can fulfil their wishes. In other words, give them a better life," he said, before going into the polling station.

"I am voting for myself," he added.