Zimbabwe summons US representative for alleged election interference

HARARE, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Foreign Ministry summoned the US Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Elaine French on accusations of interfering with the country’s electoral processes.

The move Monday was after the US Embassy posted a tweet urging Zimbabweans to “register to vote and make sure your voice is heard.”

French met Acting Foreign Secretary Rofina Chikava.

But the US government could not be cowed into submission after the meeting, choosing to stand by its position posted on Twitter.

“We stand by our recent media posts calling for peace during the election season,” said Embassy spokesperson Meg Riggs.

The Foreign Ministry said after the meeting that French “reiterated her mission’s commitment to improve its communication in line with expected diplomatic conduct.”

Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa set Tuesday the date for the general elections.

“Now, therefore, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the President as aforesaid, I do, by this proclamation … fix the 23rd day of August, 2023, as the day of the election to the office of President, the election of members of the National Assembly and election of councilors,” he said.

Mnangagwa also set Oct. 2 for a run-off election, if necessary.

The election has been long overdue amid speculation that Mnangagwa was hesitant to hold polls because of divisions in his party.