Zimbabwe: Government may postpone elections to July /update 1

Event

Interim President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on Wednesday, January 24, that Zimbabwe will hold presidential elections by July. On January 18, Mnangagwa had announced that the elections would be held by May or June. Protests related to the delay or to the elections more generally are possible, particularly in Harare​, in the coming weeks and months.

Context

The inauguration of former Vice President Mnangagwa as interim president took place in the capital city of Harare on November 24. Mnangagwa was appointed as the country's interim president for a period of 90 days, following former President Robert Mugabe's resignation on November 21. Mugabe resigned after the parliament launched impeachment proceedings against him; he had initially refused to step down despite intense pressure from the ruling ZANU-PF party and the military after nearly a week of political uncertainty. The political crisis started when Mugabe fired Mnangagwa on November 6, widely seen as clearing the way for his wife, Grace, to take over the position and eventually the presidency. On November 15, Zimbabwe's military took control of the government but denied that the takeover amounted to a "coup."

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare, are advised to avoid large public gatherings, even those expected to remain peaceful, and to monitor any local developments