Zimbabwe: Forthcoming Elections (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised July 26, 2018 |
| Report Number |
IF10933 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Nicolas Cook |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
On July 30, 2018, Zimbabwe is slated to hold presidential,
parliamentary and local elections—the first since the
November 2017 transfer of presidential power from Robert
Mugabe to Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mugabe’s departure,
after 37 years in office, raised hopes for the resolution of a
persistent economic crisis and for a democratic transition
ending a long pattern of human rights violations and
undemocratic governance—and an end to the years of
international condemnation, sanctions, and isolation
generated by such trends. Mnangagwa, a former close
Mugabe ally, has committed to a range of economic and
governance reforms. He has also pledged that these
elections will be free, fair, and peaceful.
The elections’ credibility will determine the relative
legitimacy of the next government and its ability to mend
relations with the international financial institutions (IFIs)
and Western governments. This, in turn, could bolster the
government’s ability to negotiate a sovereign debt arrears
payment deal, a critical step toward returning the economy
to health. A dearth of capital is a major factor underpinning
the dire economic situation, and Zimbabwe’s longstanding
debt arrears have cut it off from new credit. A legitimate
election could also spur increased foreign investment and
trade. Western donors view free and fair elections as a key
prerequisite for increased cooperation and engagement.
