Zimbabwean newly sworn-in President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his wife Auxilia sit during the Inauguration ceremony at the National Sport Stadium in Harare, on November 24, 2017.
Zimbabwean newly sworn-in President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his wife Auxilia sit during the Inauguration ceremony at the National Sport Stadium in Harare, on November 24, 2017.
The Zimbabwe elections 2018 have finally got a date. President Emmerson Mnangagwa said in an official publication on Wednesday that nationwide polls would be held in two months’ time.
The elections will be a major test for Mnangagwa who succeeded veteran former president Robert Mugabe as head of state following a brief military takeover in November that led to the 94-year-old’s departure. The Zimbabwe Government Gazette said:
“Monday, the 30th day of July, 2018 (is) the day of the election to the office of President, the election of members of the National Assembly and election of councillors.”
Zimbabwe elections 2018: Who is in the running?
Mugabe’s successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75, will square off against Nelson Chamisa, 40, of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.
Elections under Mugabe were marred by corruption, intimidation and violence, but Mnangagwa has vowed to hold a free and fair vote.
How Mugabe lost his iron grip
Back in November 2017, a peaceful transition of power was orchestrated by former Vice President Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwean military. They put enormous pressure on Mugabe to resign through a dialogue-heavy strategy.
The world watched on as soldiers surrounded the authoritarian’s mansion in a bid to force him out of office. Mugabe was stubborn when it came to stepping down, where he used a televised address – planned specifically for his resignation – to vow that he would carry on as President.
Two days later, he finally quit the role after 37 years in power.
Who are the National Patriotic Front?
The shadow of “Uncle Bob” still looms large over Zimbabwe. It was reported back in March that Robert Mugabe is cosying up to the newly-formed political party, National Patriotic Front, fronted by fellow exile of Zanu-PF Ambrose Mutinhiri.
Lead by Mutinhiri – a man who served nearly four decades under Mugabe and fought alongside him for liberation – the party look set to mobilise the Generation 40 (G40) wing of Zimbabwean politics.
