05 Jun 2018 | 06:39 PM UTC
Zimbabwe: Opposition party protests in Harare June 5 /update 2
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) opposition party holds peaceful protest in Harare June 5; additional demonstrations likely
Event
Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), held a peaceful protest in Harare on Tuesday, June 5. Thousands of supporters reportedly participated in the demonstration to demand electoral reforms. A march organized by supporters of the Zanu-PF party and President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to take place in Harare on Wednesday, June 6. 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, 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.
