By Scott Bobb

Zimbabweans began lining up outside polling stations before dawn Saturday hoping to cast their ballot early. The elections were seen as a choice between keeping in power the government of President Robert Mugabe, who has ruled since independence 28 years ago, and regime change advocated by two opposition candidates, Morgan Tsvangirai and Simba Makoni.

Zimbabwe police Chief Augustine Chihuri warned against any violence before or after the vote.

"All the defense and security forces of Zimbabwe are on full alert from now onwards covering the election period and beyond," said Chihuri.