Presidential election in Zimbabwe: more than 6.6 million voters expected at the polls

Presidential election in Zimbabwe: voting extended following major logistical delays

ByThe Mwebantu Team

Zimbabwe’s presidential and parliamentary polls, held on Wednesday, were extended by a day due to significant logistical delays.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the extension of voting by a day following major delays in the opening of some polling stations. Logistical problems prevented many offices from opening at the scheduled time, leading to concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. Less than 25% of polling stations in the capital, Harare, managed to open at 7 a.m. as initially planned.

While counting has started in several polling stations, others will have to extend the vote, thus accentuating tensions in this election already contested by the opposition. The leader of the main opposition party, Nelson Chamisa, sharply criticized the delays and accused the ruling Zanu-PF party of seeking to disrupt the electoral process by creating deliberate obstacles.

Nelson Chamisa said: “ We are clearly seeing obstacles aimed at disenfranchising voters, an archaic form of cheating that belongs to a bygone era. » He also accused the ruling party of sowing confusion with the aim of compromising the integrity of the vote.

More than 6.6 million voters are called to the polls to participate in presidential, legislative and local elections in Zimbabwe. The main duel in this presidential election pits outgoing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, of the ruling Zanu-PF party, against Nelson Chamisa, leader of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change, the main opposition party.

The Mwebantu Team
The Mwebantu Team

Led by Nia, the insightful editor-in-chief, Kwame, our technology expert, and Amara, the bold field reporter, the Mwebantu team weaves the vibrant narrative of Africa every day, forging a narrative bridge between the continent and the world. Their shared passion illuminates the mission of Mwebantu News, making African voices resonate on the global stage.