Western powers will monitor Zimbabwe’s national elections for the first time in more than 15 years.
Incumbent president, Emerson Mnangagwa, who is seeking re-election in this year’s campaign, invited the United States, the European Union’s Commission and parliament, Australia and others to watch election proceedings, ending a ban imposed by former leader Robert Mugabe.
https://www.facebook.com/presidentmnangagwa/posts/1655986194492005
The countries and groups on the list were all previously banned from watching elections in 2002 after Mugabe accused them of favouring his opponents.
The vote, scheduled for July, is seen is a major test for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s democratic credentials since he came to power in November after a de facto army coup ousted 94-year-old Mugabe.
Mnangagwa is facing a number of opponents including 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa from the main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
July’s election will mark the first time that Mugabe has not been on the ballot since Zimbabawe gained independence from Britain in 1980.
