Zimbabwe: Further opposition party protests likely /update 1

Event

Thousands of people from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) opposition party held a protest in the capital Harare on Wednesday, July 11, to demand free and fair elections. The MDC threatened to hold daily protests until their demands are met. Such protests are likely over the coming weeks as the country prepares for the general elections being held on July 30. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions should be anticipated near any protests.

Context

According to the MDC, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is refusing to allow the party access to voter rolls and the name of the company that will print ballot papers. Opposition leaders have said the elections will not be credible if they do not know how many ballots are being printed and who is possession of them.

After presidential and parliamentary elections on July 30, a presidential runoff election, if required, will be held on September 8. The ZEC said that international partners, including the UN, will help provide financial support for the elections, the first in Zimbabwe since Robert Mugabe stepped down as president in November 2017 after 37 years in power.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare, are advised to avoid large public gatherings, even those that seem peaceful, and monitor local developments.