Zimbabwe's ruling party elected longtime cabinet minister Joyce Mujuru as the country's first woman vice-president at the end of a party congress.(AFP)

Zimbabwe's ruling party today elected long-time cabinet minister Joyce Mujuru as the country's first woman vice-president.

Mujuru, the minister of water resources, was elected by six of the country's 10 provinces, and confirmed in her new position as vice president of the ruling Zimbabwe African National - Union Patriotic Front party and of the country.

She will hold the post jointly with veteran nationalist Joseph Msika and fill the post left vacant by the death of Simon Muzenda, who died last year.

She was elected at the close of a ruling party congress being held in the capital Harare. Her election however, comes as little surprise after President Robert Mugabe said he and the party were behind her.

At the same congress Mugabe was unanimously confirmed as president of the party, amid cheers from around 10,000 party delegates attending the congress. Co-Vice President Msika was also confirmed in his position.

Her election is likely to be welcomed by women who make up more than 50 per cent of the country's 11.6 million people.

After the announcement of her election Mugabe's wife Grace rose from her chair and embraced Mujuru.

(Agencies)

jointly: in collaboration or cooperation（共同地）