#ZimbabweDecides: A timeline of the Harare pandemonium

02 August 2018 - 12:06

By Jessica Levitt

A supporter of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change party (MDC) of Nelson Chamisa wears a cone as they block a street in Harare, Zimbabwe, August 1, 2018.

Image: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibek A supporter of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change party (MDC) of Nelson Chamisa wears a cone as they block a street in Harare, Zimbabwe, August 1, 2018.

The first ballot in 37 years in Zimbabwe was supposed to be marked by pictures of residents casting their votes peacefully, political leaders joining hands at the historic event and hope for a renewed start. Instead, three people died as protestors took to the streets of Harare to oppose the early results announcement. The military had to intervene and pictures of Harare on fire have dominated the newswires.

Here's how peace turned to violence in just three days.

July 30

Polling stations opened across Zimbabwe at 7am and were scheduled to close at 7pm. It was the first ballot since the ousting of Robert Mugabe. There were no reports of violence.

Image: REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo People line up to cast their ballots to vote in the country's general elections in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe July 30, 2018.

However, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa hints at trouble and says victory belongs to his party.

Victory is ours!Long winding queues in most parts of Harare.There seems to be a deliberate attempt to suppress and frustrate the Urban vote. Good turn out but the people’s will being negated & undetermined due to these deliberate & unnecessary delays.We are in because #Godisinit
— Nelson Chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) July 30, 2018

Zanu-PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa also issued a warning on his Twitter page, reminding Zimbabweans that only the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission was mandated to release results.

Today, Zimbabwe experienced a beautiful expression of freedom & democracy. In our millions, we voted in the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect & peace.

As we wait for results to come in, let us remember that only ZEC is constitutionally mandated to announce any form of results
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) July 30, 2018

July 31

Normal life continued in Zimbabwe as voting for the historical election began taking place. Supporters of the MDC celebrated outside of the party's headquarters in Harare after the polls closed without a hitch.

Supporters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change party (MDC) of Nelson Chamisa, sing and dance in the street outside the party's headquarters following general elections in Harare, Zimbabwe, July 31, 2018.

Image: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko Supporters of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change party (MDC) of Nelson Chamisa, sing and dance in the street outside the party's headquarters following general elections in Harare, Zimbabwe, July 31, 2018.

Officials dismantled temporary election stations and life went on for locals.

Electoral workers prepare to dismantle a temporary polling station after the general elections in Harare, Zimbabwe, July 31, 2018.

Image: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko Electoral workers prepare to dismantle a temporary polling station after the general elections in Harare, Zimbabwe, July 31, 2018.

A woman carries a television set on her head and a baby on her back at Mbare township outside the capital Harare, Zimbabwe, July 31, 2018.

Image: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko A woman carries a television set on her head and a baby on her back at Mbare township outside the capital Harare, Zimbabwe, July 31, 2018.

Mnangagwa applauded the high voter turn out.

Good morning Zimbabwe. I am delighted by the high turnout and citizen engagement so far. The information from our reps on the ground is extremely positive! Waiting patiently for official results as per the constitution.
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) July 31, 2018

As we wait for further official results, I urge us all to remember the teaching from Ephesians, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) July 31, 2018

August 1

In Harare MDC supporters are out early in the morning. They gathered outside the parties headquarters to wait for the official results.

Supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change opposition party of Nelson Chamisa demonstrate outside the party's headquarters as they await results of general elections in Harare, Zimbabwe, August 1, 2018.

Image: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings Supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change opposition party of Nelson Chamisa demonstrate outside the party's headquarters as they await results of general elections in Harare, Zimbabwe, August 1, 2018.

Chamisa puts out a tweet saying the MDC has won the popular vote.

Zec seeks to release results to buy time & reverse the people’s presidential election victory. The strategy is meant to prepare Zim mentally to accept fake presidential results.We’ve more votes than ED.We won the popular vote & will defend it !
— Nelson Chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) August 1, 2018

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announces that early results show the Zanu-PF has a firm lead. MDC supporters start gathering outside the results centre and police are deployed.

#Zimbabwe happening outside National results Centre in Harare. Opposition supporters say election was stolen
Video credit @cyrusnhara_4787 pic.twitter.com/aNmtZKU6Qg
— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) August 1, 2018

#Zimbabwe happening outside National results centre #Harare
Video credit @cyrusnhara_4787 pic.twitter.com/xqvw77p1xW
— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) August 1, 2018

Chamisa thanks Zimbabweans for the support.

THANK YOU ZIMBABWE ...I’m humbled by the support you have given to me as a Presidential Candidate. We have won the popular vote. You voted for total Change in this past election!We have won this one together. No amount of results manipulation will alter your WILL #Godisinit
— Nelson Chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) August 1, 2018

By mid-afternoon chaos has erupted and military police are deployed as Harare burns.

#Zimbabwedecides2018 opposition supporters in Harare before they were dispersed by the army and riot police
Video credit @cyrusnhara_4787 pic.twitter.com/iqhPPrOIcu
— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) August 1, 2018

#Zimbabwedecides2018 @i_amten of @AJEnglish took these photos when the army was deployed today pic.twitter.com/hm3LxyGaHg
— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) August 1, 2018

MDC Alliance Presidential Spokesperson Dr Nkululeko Sibanda called the situation in Harare "dark times."

MDC Alliance spokesman “there is no justification what so ever for the brutality we experienced today. The idea that protesters are violent is a false narrative....”
— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) August 1, 2018

MDC Alliance spokesman “it really doesn’t matter who started the violence.”
— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) August 1, 2018

MDC Alliance spokesman is asked why is the party inciting people by declaring they have won..... he doesn’t really answer the question
— harumutasa/aljazeera (@harumutasa) August 1, 2018

Mnangagwa calls for calm.

At this crucial time, I call on everyone to desist from provocative declarations and statements. We must all demonstrate patience and maturity, and act in a way that puts our people and their safety first. Now is the time for responsibility and above all, peace
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 1, 2018

Zimbabwean police confirm an investigation into the violence will take place.

WATCH: Police spokesperson Charity Charamba invites Tendai Biti and MDC Alliance youth leader Chidziva to CID Law and Order to assist ZRP with investigations into today’s violence #ElectionsZw #ZimDecides2018 #ZimbabweElections2018 pic.twitter.com/j1GqVRqRwN
— Larry Moyo (@larry_moyo) August 1, 2018

August 2

There's calm on the streets of Harare... for the moment. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said on Wednesday that the presidential results are likely to be announced on Thursday (today).

#ZimbabweDecides (Happening now) The scene outside the MDC headquarters pic.twitter.com/JTFdja6QG5
— Nomsa Maseko (@nomsa_maseko) August 2, 2018

Mnangagwa extends the olive branch to Chamisa.

I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s violence. All human life is sacred, and their deaths are a tragedy, irrespective of the circumstances. I would also like to wish a speedy recovery to all those injured in yesterday’s events

1/6
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018

I am therefore calling for an independent investigation into what occurred in Harare yesterday. We believe in transparency and accountability, and those responsible should be identified and brought to justice.

3/6
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018

We have been in communication with Nelson Chamisa to discuss how to immediately diffuse the situation, and we must maintain this dialogue in order to protect the peace we hold dear.

5/6
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018

And now the world waits as Zimbabwe decides...