The election took place despite protests from Mugabe's coalition partners and Zimbabwean citizens after he unilaterally declared 31 July, 2013 as the date the country will hold elections.
Uchaguzi ulifanyika pamoja na maandamano kutoka kwa washirika wa muungano wa Mugabe na raia wa Zimbabwe baada ya *Mugabe) kujitangazia mwenyewe kuwa Julai 31, 2013 ndiyo tarehe ya uchaguzi.