by Nobleman Runyanga
Zimbabwe is committed to the further enhancement of democracy. This was said by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his maiden address at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly summit in New York last night.
The President gave an overview of the progress which the country has made since he took over in November last year which saw political parties campaigning freely ahead of the 30 July elections.
“Following my deliberate and conscious decision to open up the democratic space and emphatic call for peace, unity and tolerance of divergent views amongst our people; political contestations, election campaigning, voting and counting processes were conducted freely, peacefully and transparently,” he said.
“In the spirit of transparency and openness, a broader spectrum of international observers and global media houses were accredited to observe our elections. The exceptionally peaceful pre and post electoral environment represented the maturing and entrenchment of democracy in Zimbabwe,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa also thanked the UN and other countries and regional and continental blocs which observed the country’s elections and pledged to implement the recommendations made by various observer missions.
“We are grateful to the UN and other Member States for sending Election Observer Missions and for the Technical Assistance received by our Election Management Body (the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission). The recommendations will be taken into account as we deepen our democratic and electoral processes,” said the President in his speech.
“We shall continue to entrench constitutionalism, democratic traditions and norms, peace unity and harmony; for it is indeed under such conditions that sustainable development, inclusive economic growth and prosperity can occur,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa regretted the post-poll violence which was triggered by the opposition MDC-T Chamisa faction members who unleashed an orgy of violence during the results announcement stage leading to the unfortunate loss of six lives in the ensuing skirmishes between the police and the violent protestors. The President told the Assembly that a commission of enquiry into the incident to establish what transpired and bring closure to the issue had been appointed.
“The Commission of Inquiry comprising eminent persons of national, regional and international repute has now begun its work in earnest. Their ultimate report and recommendations shall help us bring closure to the matter and assist in the improvement of our institutional governance,” he said.
