The United States (US) has called on all those involved in the electoral process in Zimbabwe, to ensure free and fair polls devoid of any form of violence.
The United States government in a statement shared by State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, said citizens of Zimbabwe must be allowed to make a decision for their future by exercising their rights to vote, just as the country’s constitution stipulates.
The statement said all parties involved must avoid any form of coercion, threats, or intimidation of voters that might alter the intent for a peaceful and democratic political process during the elections.
It further warned against political violence and human rights violations which stand in sharp contrast with the country’s constitution, especially as proven by events that followed up to the polls.
Today, Tuesday 23 August, Zimbabweans head to the polls amid an economic crisis that has hit the country, and made livelihoods difficult for many households.
Zimbabwean President and leader of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party, Emmerson Mnangagwa seeks a second term in office.
Mnangagwa’s main rival Nelson Chamisa of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) also contested in the 2018 presidential elections, which he lost to the incumbent by a tiny margin.