The government has officially declared 23 August 2023 as a public holiday.
This decision stems from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s previous announcement, where he specifically designated this date as the much-anticipated day for the upcoming general elections.
In a government notice gazetted on Monday, Minister of Home Affairs Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe said:
It is hereby notified that the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, in terms of section 38(2) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13), has declared that the 23rd of August, 2023, shall be a public holiday for the purposes of polling for the 2023 harmonised elections.
2023 Zimbabwe Elections
The upcoming general elections in Zimbabwe are set to take place on August 23, 2023. These elections will determine the President as well as the members of both houses of Parliament.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) approved 12 candidates for the presidential race.
However, Saviour Kasukuwere was disqualified due to not meeting residency requirements.
The approved candidates include Emmerson Mnangagwa from ZANU-PF, who is the current President of Zimbabwe since 2017, Nelson Chamisa from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), and Elisabeth Valerio from the United Zimbabwe Alliance.
Douglas Mwonzora of the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance has withdrawn from the race.
Presidential Election Results Announcement Timeline
According to a statement issued by the ZEC recently, the official announcement of the presidential election results will take place within five days after the polling day at the ZEC National Collation Centre.
This timeline allows for the proper execution of procedures and verification processes to ensure the accuracy of the final results before they are disclosed to the public.
In a statement, ZEC said:
Presidential Election results will be announced within five (5) days after the polling day at the ZEC National Collation Centre
It is illegal to announce election results verbally or in print before they are announced by ZEC. Violators of this electoral offence will face legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or both.
