Voting ended on Saturday in Zimbabwe's most crucial election since independence in 1980.

Polling stations closed around 7 p.m. local time after 12 hours of voting in presidential, parliamentary and local elections which many Zimbabweans hope will reverse the country's economic collapse under veteran President Robert Mugabe.

Voting was generally reported as peaceful with some complaints of irregularities and minor violence.

Mugabe said he would accept whatever results emerged, and he rejected the charges that he had already orchestrated his own victory.

"We don't rig elections. Once it's announced that so and so has won, and we have lost, we have accepted it. In 1980, 85, 90, 95 to this day, we are not in the habit of cheating."

However, the opposition accuses Mugabe of plotting to steal the election. Running against Mugabe are opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, 55, who narrowly lost the disputed 2002 elections, and former ruling party loyalist and finance minister Simba Makoni, 58.

All three presidential candidates voted early on Saturday and Tsvangirai sounded a resolute note.

"I want to assure you that the people's victory is assured. It's after some gruelling campaign we have now come to the end. I have cast a vote as you have all witnessed.

Zimbabweans are voting in a single day for the first time for president, 210 legislators, 60 senators and 1,600 local councillors. Preliminary results are expected by Monday.