HARARE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's Chief Justice Luke Malaba has called for the upholding of the rule of law to ensure that national elections scheduled for 2018 are free and fair.

Opening the 2018 legal year Monday, Malaba said he wished to assure the nation that the judiciary stood ready at all times to fulfill its mandate provided for in the Constitution and that it was its duty to ensure there was rule of law in the country.

"I am mindful of the fact that during the course of the year Zimbabwe will hold harmonized elections. As the judiciary, we expect the rule of law to prevail, especially in the coming months when political parties start their campaigns.

"This is the only way that will ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible," he said.

He implored judges to uphold the rule of law by correctly interpreting and applying the laws of the country without fear or favor.

Zimbabwe is due to go for harmonized elections this year with citizens choosing a president, legislators and councilors.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has since pledged that the elections will be free and fair.

Opposition parties have constantly been calling for electoral reforms, alleging that existing ones are skewed in favor of the ruling Zanu-PF party.