Administrative Divisions of Zimbabwe
Uneasy calm as Zimbabwe awaits Presidential election on Monday
President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe is sticking to his promise to conduct presidential election come Monday all things being equal.
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Zimbabeans will go to the poll to elect their president, first after the long years in power of Robert Mugabe.
On assumption of office earlier in the year, after forced resignation of Mugabe, Mnangagwa said election would come in June but later settled for July.
Reports say election campaign has been marred by a growing number of reports of voter intimidation and threats of violence, according to UN body has said.
“This includes people being forced to attend rallies in rural areas, the UN human rights office said.
It did not blame any party, but the ruling Zanu-PF has been accused of violence in previous elections”, says BBC.
The race to the number one office in the land is predicted to be between Mnangagwa, and main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
The survey, by South Africa-based Afrobarometer, gave Mr Mnangagwa 40% of the vote and Mr Chamisa 37%, raising the possibility of a run-off.
In a statement, the UN human rights office said it welcomed the “widening of the democratic space” in Zimbabwe since Mr Mugabe’s removal from office.
“We remain concerned, however, at the increasing number of reports, particularly in some rural areas, of voter intimidation, threats of violence, harassment and coercion, including people being forced to attend political rallies,” it added.
Meet the frontrunners
Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75:
Known as “the crocodile” because of his political shrewdness – his Zanu-PF faction is “Lacoste”
Accused of masterminding attacks on opposition supporters after 2008 election
Says he will deliver jobs, and seen as open to economic reforms
Survived several alleged assassination attempts, blamed on Mugabe supporters
Nelson Chamisa, 40:
His skull was fractured when beaten up by state security agents in 2007
Became an MP at 25, a cabinet minister at 31 and could be the youngest president at 40
A recently qualified pastor, he has been using the hashtag #GodIsInIt for his campaign
Witty and humorous orator – his rallies and news conferences are accompanied by much laughter