Zimbabweans will be voting on July 30 to choose a new president in a post-Mugabe era. But a new poll is predicting that the results will be too close to call.
An Afrobarometer poll released on Friday says there will be no clear winner. It said President Mnangagwa is likely to secure 40 percent of voters as against 37 percent for his opponent, Nelson Chamisa.
The Afrobarometer poll of 2,400 voting-age adults was conducted between June 25 and July 6. 20 percent of people polled did not disclose their choice however.
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.
Crucial Election
Some 112 political parties are reported to have registered to participate in the upcoming general elections.
Considered the biggest and crucial election in Zimbabwe’s political history, the two main rivals will be seeking the mandate to re-galvanize the country.
The elections are coming months after the former President, Robert Mugabe exited power after a military takeover.
The younger generation who have known Mugabe all their lives are demanding a new era. They will be crucial in deciding who wins.
Free and Fair election
Mnangagwa has promised to ensure that the elections are held in a free and fair manner.
Ghana’s former President John Mahama is leading a Commonwealth group to observe the elections.
Zimbabwe under former President, Robert Mugabe withdrew from the commonwealth.
President Mnangagwa after assuming power wrote to request a re-admission. Mnangagwa requested the Commonwealth to observe its forthcoming elections.
Source: Africafeeds.com
