Staff Reporter
As Zimbabwe gears up for its much-anticipated Harmonized General Elections, on 23 August 2023, the country has seen a substantial influx of foreign interest, particularly from western nations.
The convergence of powerful nations setting up camp within Zimbabwe's borders signifies the growing recognition of the country and its potential for political transformation and economic revival, the Harare Post can report.
A well-placed source who spoke to this publication revealed that the West has already set up camp in the country to closely observe the elections.
“Yesterday, I visited a friend, who is booked at Holiday Inn Harare, only to find that the European Union (EU) has booked the entire 4th Floor and turned it into offices and Elections Information Hub. The car park was also lined up with rental cars branded with the EU emblem.
“Furthermore, Hotels such as the Meikles hotel, Bronte, Crown Plaza (Monos), etc, are fully booked with guests from western countries and western institutions,” said the Source.
Political analyst, Edmore Chibaya, added that the amount of interest indicated by the West is an indication that the upcoming elections are crucial for the country’s future.
“The 23 August elections hold immense significance for the country's political trajectory. After decades of political turmoil and strained relations with the West, the presence of Western nations at this critical juncture indicates their acknowledgment of the progress made by the Second Republic in fostering political stability and inclusive governance.
“Also the Western nations, considering Zimbabwe's vast natural resources, untapped markets, and strategic location in Southern Africa, have recognized the country's economic potential, and are making moves to try and establish a foothold in Zimbabwe, in light of the changing global geo-politics. Beyond economic and humanitarian interests, the interest of western nations in Zimbabwe's elections has a strong diplomatic undertone. By actively engaging in Zimbabwe's political transformation process, the West seeks to repair previously strained relationships and build new alliances.
‘It is therefore imperative that Zimbabwe ensures transparent, fair, and inclusive elections to harness the benefits of global engagements. In so doing the country can embrace a future of enhanced regional cooperation, economic prosperity, and strengthened diplomatic ties with the West and the East,” said Chibaya.
Meanwhile, other sceptical political analysts have recommended that the Zanu PF Government should sleep with one eye open lest a repeat of what happened to Zambia is replayed in Zimbabwe. This was in 1991, when George Soros booked an entire hotel floor and set up a parallel voter tabulation centre in Zambia, the end result was Kenneth Kaunda’s dismal defeat to Fredrick Chiluba of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), a labour backed political party.
