US official calls for free, fair Elections, end to political violence in Zimbabwe

Supporters of Zimbabwe's main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa hold placards upon his arrival for a a rally on the outskirts of Harare on July 17, 2023. [AP Photo]

U.S Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee gave an interview to VOA Zimbabwe Service's Blessing Zulu on Thursday.

As Zimbabwe prepares to host general elections scheduled for Aug 23, a top U.S official said Thursday that what is happening on the ground suggests that a free and fair election in the southern African nation is in doubt because of laws limiting civic space. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee said in an interview with VOA Zimbabwe Service's Blessing Zulu that opposition political parties and citizens are being harassed and prevented from organizing and campaigning freely. Phee said the U.S. has conveyed its concerns in discussions with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration and said that the U.S. will be sending observers to monitor the election. These highlights are excerpts from the conversation and have been edited for brevity and clarity.