Zimbabwe begins election without Mugabe

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – Citizens Zimbabwe exercised its vote Monday (30/7) in the first election since the overthrow Robert Mugabe . The election confronts President Emmerson Mnangagwa, an old ally of Mugabe, with Nelson Chamisa, a lawyer and pastor who is trying to become the youngest head of government in Zimbabwe.

The investigation shows Mnangagwa, a former secret service chief who took power after Mugabe's overthrow last November by a bloodless state coup, in a slight victory over Chamisa. If no candidate wins more than half of the votes, the second round of elections will be held on 8 September.

Nicknamed the "crocodile", the famous animal of the traditional Zimbabwean tale as a hidden and cruel figure, Mnangagwa vows to revive foreign investment and improving racial and tribal divisions.

"People say, and I have the same point of view, that something special is going to happen in Zimbabwe," said Mnangagwa during his last campaign at the Harare National Stadium

"After reelection on Monday, with a real mandate for change I pledge to make concrete changes that will comfort all citizens of Zimbabwe. "

Chamisa, a charismatic speaker who has gained expertise in court and pulpit, has received support from young people voters. and frustrated unemployment over the four decades of Zimbabwe's Zimbabwe National Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).

"The momentum is great, the victory is certain, nothing can stop the Zimbabweans from claiming victory". Reuters .

"We have done everything to ensure victory in this election."

Surprisingly, Mugabe states that he will vote for the opposition, against his former allies.

Mnangagwa then accused his former boss of entering into a deal with Chamisa, but gave no proof.

"The choice is clear, you choose Mugabe in the appearance of Chamisa or you choose a new Zimbabwe under my leadership and ZANU-PF," Mnangagwa said in a video on his official Facebook page.

Zimbabwe needs observers to at least qualify this election as credible.

Cases of intimidation and coercion have been reported, while state media are inclined to support ZANU-PF. However, many consider this process better than ever.

(aal)