Zimbabweans in South Africa are mobilizing for protests that could disrupt operations at the Beitbridge border post, the country’s busiest crossing, in response to concerns about Zimbabwe’s disputed August elections.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner of the presidential election, although various observer missions criticized the polls for falling short of international standards.
The main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Nelson Chamisa, has called for fresh elections and launched a diplomatic effort to that end.
Last week, Zimbabweans in South Africa staged protests in Cape Town, Pretoria, and Johannesburg, presenting their demands for a rerun of the election to embassy staff. A group called Progressive Zimbabweans in SA has formed seven sub-groups to facilitate the protests, which are currently in the planning stages. Organizers are working on obtaining the necessary clearances and will advise participants on the date of the protest.
The protesters are demanding free, fair, and credible elections in Zimbabwe and have expressed concerns about the situation back home, which has led them to seek refuge in South Africa. They also raised issues of harassment and mistreatment in South Africa, where many Zimbabweans live without legal documentation.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission declared Mnangagwa the winner of the presidential vote with 52.6% of the vote, while Chamisa received 44%. The ruling Zanu-PF party secured 136 parliamentary seats, while the CCC won 73 seats in the August 23 elections.
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