HARARE, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe government is compiling a list of missions to be invited to observe the forthcoming elections scheduled for mid-year, a senior official told state media Wednesday.

Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Joey Bimha told the Herald newspaper that invitations to foreign observer missions would be sent soon.

Among those expecting to make a return to observing the country's elections are the European Union and the United States who had been barred from the country by the previous government led by Robert Mugabe.

Prior to his resignation last November, then President Robert Mugabe had indicated that foreign observer missions from areas such as the European Union and the U.S. would still not be allowed in the country.

However, new president Mnangagwa has since said those previously barred from observing the elections would be allowed to do so, while promising free, fair and credible elections.

The exact date for the elections is still to be proclaimed but the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has said they should be held between July 31 and Aug. 21 in terms of the constitution.