Zimbabwe went ahead with its internationally condemned presidential run-off election Friday, in the midst of claims of voter coercion. “What is happening today is not an election. It is an exercise in mass intimidation with people all over the country being forced to vote,” Movement of Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai told reporters Saturday.  Tsvangirai dropped out of the race against longtime leader Robert Mugabe last weekend because with the widespread violence against his supporters ahead of the poll, a free and fair election was impossible, he said. Tsvangirai’s name remains on the ballot, but Mugabe is widely expected win. Mugabe wanted a high voter turnout so the election would appear legitimate, reports CNN.  Reportedly, many Zimbabweans were threatened with violence if they did not vote and some say had to report their ballot serial numbers to member’s of Mugabe’s party. Government authorities were “threatening anyone that doesn’t vote or who votes for the MDC with death…the militia are warning that tomorrow they will launch Operation Red Finger that will target anyone who has not voted,” said Tsvangirai. In some nations, including Zimbabwe, voters have to dip their finger in red ink to make sure there is no one voting twice. Mugabe spokesman denies those claims, telling CNN that the election had been “free and fair.” He also said, “I don’t think we should put accent on what a politician who is facing a bleak defeat claims is happening to him.” The official results are expected Sunday.

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