Zimbabwe: July 30 election day declared public holiday

Event

The Zimbabwean government has declared Monday, July 30, the day of the upcoming general elections, a national public holiday. The decision was made in order to allow people to return to their hometowns to vote, due to the election being held on a weekday.

Context

After presidential and parliamentary elections on July 30, a presidential runoff election, if required, will be held on September 8. The electoral commission 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. In total, 5.5 million people are eligible to vote.

Advice

As a precautionary measure, individuals present in Zimbabwe are advised to avoid public rallies, refrain from discussing domestic political issues, and anticipate a heightened security presence in urban areas.