FACTBOX: Quotes from Zimbabwe's crucial election

(Reuters) - Zimbabweans voted on Saturday in the most crucial election since independence from Britain in 1980, with veteran President Robert Mugabe facing the biggest challenge of his 28-year-rule.

Below are some quotes from voters, presidential candidates and election officials:

PRESIDENT ROBERT MUGABE

"Why should I cheat? The people are there supporting us. The moment the people stop supporting you, then that's the moment you should quit politics."

MORGAN TSVANGIRAI, leader of main opposition MDC faction

"I want to assure you that the people's victory is assured, despite the regime's attempts to subvert the people's will.

We are absolutely confident that the outcome will be in favor of the people."

TENDAI BITI, secretary general of main MDC faction

"The issue which is going to be problematic in the elections is the number of voters being turned away. We have done surveys in (five Harare constituencies) and we have realized that hundreds of people are being turned away."