Voting has begun in Zimbabwe's hotly contested parliamentary elections. There is a large turnout in many polling stations in the capital, Harare.

A persistent light rain failed to discourage voters at some polling stations in Harare who began lining up hours before the polls opened at seven in the morning local time.

Among those to vote early was Morgan Tsvangirai leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. Mr. Tsvangirai said regardless of the outcome, the election has not been free and fair. Even so, he said he was confident that voters would turn out to express their views, which he said are predominantly in favor of his party and will bring them victory.

President Robert Mugabe earlier also expressed confidence in the outcome - saying his party would win and that the poll will have been free and fair.

Mr. Mugabe has governed the country for nearly 25 years, but critics say over the past several years, his government has been become more isolated and repressive.