Photo: IRIN

General elections are slated for July.

Movement for Democratic Change Secretary General Tendai Biti has complained of abduction and intimidation on the day Zimbabweans were expected to decide the fate of the draft constitution .

Speaking to the media at Harvest House, Biti said Samson Magumise an MDC-T activists from Headlands was abducted at gun point in the early hours.

Magumise was picked up by three unknown men and a woman driving a white truck ABG 7038.

Biti reported of more cases of arrest and intimidation in Mbare, Headlands, Kariba and Bindura.

He added that voters in Hurungwe, Chakari, Muzvezve and Zvimba North were being asked to submit their names to known Zanu PF supporters.

Meanwhile the referendum was largely characterised by voter apathy as voters ignored appeals by political leaders in the government of national unity to go and vote for the new constitution.

Few people could be seen at polling stations in Harare with Zimbabweans opting to stay at home.

Some people who did not vote complained of lack of information.

Voters were not given enough copies of the draft constitution and there were no indications leading to polling stations in certain areas.

Some voters who were eager to vote had to ask for directions to polling stations of their choice.

Some voters expressed confusion as they expected to see party logos on the ballot papers.

Meanwhile President Mugabe accompanied by his wife Grace and daughter Bona voted at Mhofu government primary school in Highfields.

He attacked the west soon after casting his vote.

Asked why there were no foreign observers, Mugabe responded "The Europeans and the Americans have imposed sanctions on us, and we keep them out in the same way they keep us out.

Tsvangirai and his wife Elizabeth cast their votes in the referendum on the new Constitution at Chaminuka Primary School in St Marys, Chitungwiza.

Addressing journalists soon after casting his vote, Tsvangirai said by voting in the referendum the people of Zimbabwe will have taken one of the most historic steps since the constitutional movement was formed.

"This is a journey that we have travelled. Those who have lost their lives will rest in peace because this is an important stage that we have been fighting for," said Tsvangirai.