HARARE, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabweans are gearing up for the general elections set for Aug. 23.
A total of 11 candidates are vying for the presidency, but the main contest is between the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who leads the ZANU PF party, and opposition candidate Nelson Chamisa, who leads the Citizens Coalition for Change.
Mnangagwa, whose party ZANU PF has led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, is seeking another five-year term.
Mnangagwa on Saturday concluded his election campaign in his home province of Midlands, while Chamisa wrapped up his in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe, on Monday.
On the streets of Harare, calmness reigned on Monday as people went on with their daily business ahead of the elections.
"My wish is that we cast our ballots in peace, we should not be partisan, we should maintain unity," Mable Buta, a Harare resident told Xinhua.
Her sentiments were shared by Ozias Tapukani, another resident in Harare.
"I wish for a peaceful election since Zimbabwe is known as a peaceful country, that is what I am expecting as a young person," said Tapukani.
Street vendor Shumirai Gumbo said she was ready to cast her ballot, describing the prevailing environment as commendable.
"All I want is peace so that I can continue working and providing food to my children because I have children who look up to me," she said.
According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, 6.6 million people have registered to vote, representing 83 percent of the eligible voting population. ■
