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Zimbabwe: Post polls violence kills three; International community urges calm

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 02 Aug 2018

Zimbabwe: Post polls violence kills three; International community urges calm

Harare: At least three people were killed as Harare witnessed a massive violence following Monday's presidential election in Zimbabwe.

The victims died after government forces opened fire to quell the mob.

The action has prompted the international community to urge calm in the region.

Violence started after the ruling Zanu-PF party was declared victorious.

Following the results, the opposition, alleging foul-play, said that the ruling party rigged the polls.

Reflecting on the situation prevailing in Zimbabwe, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has asked the local lawmakers to exercise restraint.

UK foreign office minister Harriett Baldwin said her government is monitoring the situation closely, while echoing the UN Secretary General's sentiment.

"Deeply concerned by today's violence in #Harare. Call on Zimbabwe's political leaders to take responsibility for ensuring calm & restraint at this critical moment. We're monitoring the situation closely. British nationals in Harare should check @FCOtravel #ZimbabweElections2018," Baldwin tweeted.

The US Embassy in Harare too said the same, while stating that the lawmakers can now use the historic opportunity to take Zimbabwe to a brighter future.

This is the first vote in independent Zimbabwe that did not feature its former President Robert Mugabe.

Mugabe, who was ousted from his post following a coup in 2017, ruled the country for 30 years.

His style was often referred to as 'autocratic' by commentators.

Ironically, Mugabe refused to support his party, the Zanu-PF, during the recent polls, citing the later as his 'tormentor'.

 

Image: twitter.com/SABCNewsOnline