Zimbabwe: 2 million people have voted in referendum

The Associated Press, Harare, Zimbabwe | World | Sun, March 17 2013, 9: 04 PM

Zimbabwe's official election body says that an estimated 2 million people voting in a referendum on a new Constitution that would curb presidential powers and strengthening human rights.

Judge Rita Makarau, head of the Electoral Commission, said Sunday that the low estimate came from early return the nation's 9,400 polling stations.

Zimbabwe has an estimated 6.6 million registered voters. All major political parties had called for a "Yes" vote amid fears of a low turnout. Zimbabweans were given just three weeks to read the 170-page draft Constitution.

Makarau said Saturday vote was carried out in a peaceful manner. Counting of votes began in late Saturday and full results from isolated areas be expected within five days.