Addressing the virtual SADC Extraordinary Summit on Tuesday, Lourenço praised both Zimbabwe and Eswatini for their triumphant demonstration of democratic values.
"Allow me to congratulate President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and His Majesty King Mswati III, the King of Eswatini, for the exemplary elections that were recently conducted in your countries," President Lourenço stated.
President Lourenço went on to commend the peaceful and orderly manner in which the elections were held, describing them as “a major victory for democracy and a significant contribution to peace, stability, and harmony among all living forces of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
This endorsement from SADC effectively dismisses previous criticisms from various quarters that sought to discredit the elections in Zimbabwe.
Detractors had claimed that the polls did not adhere to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. However, the regional body’s congratulatory message has put such arguments to rest.
In light of this development, political commentator Nobleman Runyanga weighed in, emphasising the significance of SADC’s endorsement.
“The affirmation of Zimbabwe's electoral outcome by SADC is a definitive response to the baseless allegations from the Citizens Coalition for Change, which questioned the integrity of the elections,” Runyanga remarked.
Runyanga further highlighted that “this endorsement effectively discredits the Nevers Mumba's SADC Election Observer Mission Report and signals the end of the CCC’s attempts to tarnish the reputation of Zimbabwe’s elections that rightfully declared ZANU PF and President Mnangagwa as the winners.”
Meanwhile, President Lourenco underlined the importance of the summit in fostering lasting peace and stability within the SADC region. He emphasised the need for collective efforts to address on-going conflicts, particularly in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and other turbulent areas.
