Zimbabwe: Opposition party protests in Harare July 11

Event

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), will hold a protest in Harare on Wednesday, July 11. The demonstration is expected to run from 10:00 to 16:00 (local time). Protesters will reportedly march from the Africa Unity Square to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) offices. Further protests are likely in the coming weeks, as the country prepares for general elections 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 responsible for holding them.

After presidential and parliamentary elections on July 30, a presidential runoff election, if required, is slated to be held on September 8. The ZEC said that international partners, including the UN, will help provide financial support for the elections. These elections will be the first held 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 expected to remain peaceful, and to monitor local developments.