Zimbabwe: July 25 opposition protest in Harare banned; another protest July 28 /update 3

Event

Police officials have banned a planned protest by supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) opposition party set to take place in front of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in the capital Harare on Wednesday, July 25. It remains unclear whether or not the demonstration will take place despite the ban; if it does, clashes between protesters and police forces are likely.

Furthermore, another opposition protest is scheduled to take place in Harare on Saturday, July 28, at Freedom Square. It will be the last protest before general elections are held on July 30. Traffic disruptions are possible in the vicinity of the event.

Context

After presidential and parliamentary elections on July 30, a presidential runoff election, if required, will be held on September 8. The ZEC has 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.

According to the MDC, the 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. The had MDC threatened to hold daily protests until their demands were met.

Advice

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