Zimbabwe politicians have held final rallies ahead of Monday’s historic vote.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa and main challenger Nelson Chamisa held final campaign rallies hoping to convince voters.
5 million voters are expected to participate in the voting process to choose a new leader.
75-year-old Mnangagwa of the ruling Zanu-PF is facing the biggest opposition in 40-year-old Chamisa. He is the leader of the opposition MDC party.
Both leaders held their respective rallies in separate venues in Harare, the capital.
Mnangagwa who is a former deputy president under former leader, Robert Mugabe came into power after his former boss resigned.
#Zimelections2018 people started leaving the stadium as soon as President Mnangagwa concluded his address; but this group is staying for the entertainment at the #ZanuPFRally . MS pic.twitter.com/zyTDMWxPvZ
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 28, 2018
Mugabe stepped down after a military takeover which is believed to have been masterminded by Mnangagwa.
Monday will be the first time Zimbabweans will vote without the involvement of Robert Mugabe.
Zimbabwe’s opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has however warned that the credibility of the poll is under threat.
#ZimElections2018 [WATCH] Zanu-PF supporters outside the stadium ahead of the #ZanuPFRally. MS pic.twitter.com/dvzyfsbwiy
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 28, 2018
He told a news conference last Wednesday that the election was threatened by fraud as he accuses the election commission of bias.
Chamisa said the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) was “biased and has lost the confidence of the people of Zimbabwe”.
#ZimElection2018 #MDCRally WATCH pic.twitter.com/cQzEPymcPY
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 28, 2018
UN’s verdict on preparations
The United Nations has reported of voter intimidation, threats of violence and coercion ahead of the election.
The global body also reports that people are being forced to attend political rallies especially in rural areas.
The U.N. human rights spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell told journalists in Geneva that “There has also been the worrying use of disparaging language against female political candidates.”
“We call on the authorities – and political parties and their supporters – to ensure that the elections are not marred by such acts so that all Zimbabweans can participate free from fear in a credible election process,” she said.
#ZimElections2018 #MDCRally supporters clad in their red regalia. Dancing, as they wait for their leader Nelson Chamisa to address them. This is the party’s “victory rally” pic.twitter.com/qxjxRrhZjF
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) July 28, 2018
Too close to call
A poll released weeks ago also predicted that the results will be too close to call.
An Afrobarometer poll says there will be no clear winner. It said President Mnangagwa is likely to secure 40 percent of voters. His opponent Chamisa is tipped to secure 37 percent of votes.
Zimbabwe election rules provide for a run-off if no presidential candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote. A run-off could be held on September 8.
Source: Africafeeds.com
