Staff Reporter

Political players must maintain and consolidate peace built by the Second Republic ahead of the 2023 Harmonised General Elections. This was the message from President Emmerson Mnangagwa as he presented his State of the nation address during the opening of the Fifth Session of the Ninth Parliament of Zimbabwe.

In an address characterised by an array of socio-economic successes achieved by the Second Republic, President Mnangagwa reiterated that unity and peace still remain the major requirements for production and productivity across all sectors of the economy.

“As I conclude, I wish to reiterate that the attainment of Vision 2030 of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society requires raising production and productivity across all sectors of the economy. This can only be achieved if our people are united and peaceful,” the President said.

As we approach the 2023 Harmonised General Elections, President Mnangagwa also implored on all political players to be tolerant and observe peace as this is the culture natured by the Second Republic.

“Political players, seeking the people’s mandate during the upcoming 2023 Harmonised Elections, must maintain and consolidate the peace, unity, harmony and love that we have built under the Second Republic. Violent confrontations have never been part of our culture,” he added.

President Mnangagwa’s call for peace and tolerance follows a destructive spree by the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) which has been on a blood orgy in Harare Mupedzanhamo area. Space barons from CCC have destroyed property and caused injury to vendors at the same market resulting in its closure.

President Mnangagwa also warned the public to remain alert on the effects of COVID-19 pandemic as the virus still poses a threat to human lives.