US pro-democracy groups have urged Zimbabwean authorities to take steps to ensure a free and fair election in July and break from a history of flawed elections under long-time ruler Robert Mugabe.

"Changing Zimbabwe’s electoral trajectory will require pro-active and concerted efforts to instil public confidence," the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute said in a statement late Friday after a week of pre-election observation. &nbsp

Zimbabwe holds a general election on July 30, the first without Mugabe who was forced out of office after a brief military takeover last year.

David Dreier, a former United States Congressman and member of the IRI-NDI monitors, told reporters in Harare that while the observers have "found several notable improvements in the political environment and electoral preparations as compared to prior elections, a number of significant opportunities to break with the past have been missed."

"As a result, we still have concerns about the fairness of the process."

The group said while Zimbabweans welcome President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s public commitments to hold credible elections there were concerns whether the military will accept the outcome of the presidential polls.

They called on senior military officers to make "public and unambiguous statements" that the army will loyally serve whoever wins the elections.

The statement came days after the main opposition staged street protests to pressure the authorities to adopt a slew of reforms to ensure a fair poll.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party wants to observe the printing of ballot papers, that Zimbabweans based abroad be allowed to vote and the removal of military personnel seconded to the electoral commission.

Mnangagwa will square off with former student activist Nelson Chamisa leading a coalition of opposition parties under the MDC-Alliance.

A new pre-poll survey by Afrobarometer published this week showed the ruling Zanu-PF would attract 42 per cent of the vote compared to 31 per cent for the MDC, meaning the election could go to a run-off.

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US pro-democracy groups have urged Zimbabwean authorities to take steps to ensure a free and fair election in July and break from a history of flawed elections under long-time ruler Robert Mugabe

US pro-democracy groups have urged Zimbabwean authorities to take steps to ensure a free and fair election in July and break from a history of flawed elections under long-time ruler Robert Mugabe. "Changing Zimbabwe’s electoral trajectory will require pro-active and concerted efforts to instil public confidence," the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute said in a statement late Friday after a week of pre-election observation. Zimbabwe holds a general election on July 30, the first without Mugabe who was forced out of office after a brief military takeover last year. David Dreier, a former United States Congressman and member of the IRI-NDI monitors, told reporters in Harare that while the observers have "found several notable improvements in the political environment and electoral preparations as compared to prior elections, a number of significant opportunities to break with the past have been missed." "As a result, we still have concerns about the fairness of the process." The group said while Zimbabweans welcome President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s public commitments to hold credible elections there were concerns whether the military will accept the outcome of the presidential polls. They called on senior military officers to make "public and unambiguous statements" that the army will loyally serve whoever wins the elections. The statement came days after the main opposition staged street protests to pressure the authorities to adopt a slew of reforms to ensure a fair poll. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party wants to observe the printing of ballot papers, that Zimbabweans based abroad be allowed to vote and the removal of military personnel seconded to the electoral commission. Mnangagwa will square off with former student activist Nelson Chamisa leading a coalition of opposition parties under the MDC-Alliance. A new pre-poll survey by Afrobarometer published this week showed the ruling Zanu-PF would attract 42 per cent of the vote compared to 31 per cent for the MDC, meaning the election could go to a run-off.

US observers urge steps to ensure free poll in Zimbabwe

The United Nations on Saturday threw its support behind new elections in Zimbabwe set for July and urged the government to kickstart the African nation&#39;s economy as an &quot;urgent priority&quot;.

Achim Steiner, administrator for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was in Harare as part of a three-day trip that saw him meet Zimbabwe&#39;s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

&quot;UNDP is committed to continue supporting the preparatory process for the elections and economic recovery efforts,&quot; Steiner told reporters.

Presidential polls are due by the end of August, when Mnangagwa will face his first major test after taking over from long-time strongman Robert Mugabe, who resigned in November after four decades in office.

Among Mnangagwa&#39;s long to-do list is settling Zimbabwe&#39;s flailing economy, which battled with hyperinflation during Mugabe&#39;s time.

&quot;It is clear from my discussions with the president and government officials that jump-starting Zimbabwe&#39;s economic recovery is an urgent priority,&quot; Steiner said.&nbsp;

&quot;We commend steps being taken by government in terms of policy and legal reforms to improve the ease of doing business.&quot;&nbsp;

Steiner said the UN last year provided more than $400 million (325 million euros) to Zimbabwe through donors across several sectors including health and environment.&nbsp;

Mugabe this week in an interview said he was removed from power through a &quot;coup d&#39;etat&quot;, prompting Mnangagwa to declare the country &quot;has moved on&quot; from his former boss.

On Saturday Mnangagwa met new South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Harare and repeated his pledge to hold free, fair and credible elections.&nbsp;

&quot;As a nation, party and government we are looking to very peaceful, transparent and free elections in July this year,&quot; Mnangagwa said.

The United Nations urged the government to kickstart the African nation's economy as an 'urgent priority'

The United Nations on Saturday threw its support behind new elections in Zimbabwe set for July and urged the government to kickstart the African nation's economy as an "urgent priority". Achim Steiner, administrator for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was in Harare as part of a three-day trip that saw him meet Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa. "UNDP is committed to continue supporting the preparatory process for the elections and economic recovery efforts," Steiner told reporters. Presidential polls are due by the end of August, when Mnangagwa will face his first major test after taking over from long-time strongman Robert Mugabe, who resigned in November after four decades in office. Among Mnangagwa's long to-do list is settling Zimbabwe's flailing economy, which battled with hyperinflation during Mugabe's time. "It is clear from my discussions with the president and government officials that jump-starting Zimbabwe's economic recovery is an urgent priority," Steiner said. "We commend steps being taken by government in terms of policy and legal reforms to improve the ease of doing business." Steiner said the UN last year provided more than $400 million (325 million euros) to Zimbabwe through donors across several sectors including health and environment. Mugabe this week in an interview said he was removed from power through a "coup d'etat", prompting Mnangagwa to declare the country "has moved on" from his former boss. On Saturday Mnangagwa met new South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Harare and repeated his pledge to hold free, fair and credible elections. "As a nation, party and government we are looking to very peaceful, transparent and free elections in July this year," Mnangagwa said.

UN backs Zimbabwe polls for July

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US observers urge steps to ensure free poll in Zimbabwe

UN backs Zimbabwe polls for July