Zimbabwe: Opposition party threatens to hold nationwide protests June 5 /update 1

Event

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), the main political opposition party in Zimbabwe, is reportedly threatening to hold nationwide strikes on Tuesday, June 5. According to an MDC spokesperson, the party wants President Emmerson Mnangagwa to agree to electoral reforms. As of Thursday, May 31, the MDC has not confirmed that demonstrations will take place or any specific details regarding potential events. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions should be anticipated near any protests.

Context

According to the MDC, their main concern is the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) refusal to allow the party access to voter rolls and the name of the company that will print ballot papers. Opposition leaders said the elections will not be credible if they do not know who is responsible how many ballots are being printed and who is responsible for holding them.

President Mnangagwa announced that presidential and parliamentary elections will be held 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.

Mugabe resigned after the parliament launched impeachment proceedings against him; he had initially refused to step down despite intense pressure from the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party and the military after nearly a week of political uncertainty. The political crisis was sparked when Mugabe fired then-Vice President 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 local developments.