The protest was in solidarity with the MDC Alliance protest in Harare. It comes as a result of a breakdown of negotiations on the conduct of the elections between the junta and the opposition.
Clad in their preferred party T-Shirts, protesters started gathering at 11:00. Supporters of the MDC Alliance who took part in the protest criticised the junta for its reluctance to accept the demands tabled by the opposition.
The opposition had gathered under National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA), a grouping of political parties, with an aim of addressing problems that compromise the credibility of elections in Zimbabwe.
The Alliance of opposition parties led by Nelson Chamisa are now demanding access to the voters’ roll – an explanation for an increase in polling stations – equal access to the media demilitarisation of ZEC – demilitarisation of villages – and Diaspora Vote among other reforms.
It is clear that the junta will not implement genuine democratic reforms for fear of losing in a free and fair elections.
Speakers at the demo believe that the coordinated protests have tainted the credibility of the elections before casting the vote which may deter investors, therefore the country cannot be open for business yet.