According to information on allafrica.com, a number of countries including the US, had expressed fears that elections, set for the end of the month, will not be credible.

However, Wharton is quoted as saying it is possible “for Zim to have a peaceful, credible election. Clearly, that’s what’s needed to help move the country forward-economically, socially and politically.”

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe lashed out at the US at a campaign rally in Chinhoyi on Friday after the State Department expressed concern that the elections might not be carried out credibly.

“Keep your pink nose out of our affairs, please,” Mugabe is quoted as saying.

Wharton in response said that Mugabe’s comments were part of his campaign speech and “all part of the political process here”.

According to earlier Reuters reports, Mugabe on Thursday also lashed at Washington when speaking to thousands of supporters in Chinhoyi.

“In America they are saying Zimbabwe has gone for an early election without reforms. Americans must be mad and absolutely insane,” Reuers quoted Mugabe as saying in an address that lasted more than 2-1/2 hours.

Both Mugabe and his opponent, Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, are on a campaign trail. Elections are slated for 31 July.

Mugabe speaks at an election rally in Chitungwiza, about 35 km south of the capital Harare July 16, 2013. – Picture by Reuters/Philimon Bulawayo