A series of repressive laws introduced since 2000 drastically curtailed the opposition's ability to meet, express its views and access the media. While restrictions eased in recent weeks to allow campaigning by all sides, rights groups said the damage was already done.
Mugabe's government hand-picked election observers, barring groups that were critical of previous polls.
Opposition leaders and rights groups also raised concerns about the voters' roll, which they believe is inflated with the names of hundreds of thousands of people who have died or moved away.
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