Zimbabwe will hold a general election on July 31, according to a letter sent by President Robert Mugabe to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday.
A court last month ruled that the elections must take place by the end of July. The vote is expected to end a fragile coalition government between Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change and Mugabe’s Zanu—PF party.
Mugabe’s letter upset Tsvangirai, who has repeatedly rejected the court order as a ruling that cannot be implemented. He argues that the country needs more time to prepare and to ensure the vote is free and fair.
“President Mugabe has acted unilaterally and unconstitutionally,” Tsvangirai told a press conference that was called after receiving the letter.
“In order to avoid a constitutional crisis, we can go to the same court and review its decision. There is no option but to review the decision.” The last election in 2008 descended into widespread violence, with security forces targeting the premier’s party. Regional powers forced the two sides into a power—sharing deal in order to avoid further bloodshed.
Mugabe, 89, has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. He intends to run for president again.
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