Opposition parties urge Zimbabweans to go home, vote
Chakalisa Dube | Monday August 21, 2023 06:00
Next week Wednesday, Zimbabweans will go to the polls to elect a new president, Members of Parliament and municipal representatives. The real battle at the Zimbabwean elections will be between Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ruling Zanu PF and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa.
The buildup to the elections has been characterised by violence against CCC party representatives by the ruling Zanu PF.
This week, one of the country’s biggest opposition parties the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) urged Zimbabweans to go home and cast their votes in large numbers. The UDC is not explicit in terms of who it is backing but reiterated that it is paramount for Zimbabweans to go home and vote. “Zimbabweans should know that the future of their country is in their hands.
Failure to exercise their right to vote will not bring about the change that their country so much deserves. The reason why they have been displaced talks to the situation that the country is facing currently,” the UDC said through its spokesperson, Moeti Mohwasa. Mohwasa added that the international community is limited in terms of what it can do or say to help the people of Zimbabwe who have been suffering under the leadership of Zanu PF for years. “The rest is in the hands of the people of Zimbabwe.
It is time for them to capitalise on the power of the vote and a government of their choice.” The UDC also condemned reported acts of violence against members of the opposition. Mohwasa stated that any move that does not allow people to freely express themselves in terms of who should lead them will always receive stern criticism from the UDC. “Those who are contesting for state power should be allowed to reach the voters and sell their policies and programmes. Doing so will allow voters to make wise and informed decisions. The reports relating to blocking of opposition activities and harassment of their activists are highly unfortunate and require strongest condemnation.
The UDC and in particular its leader, Duma Boko, has been victim of harassment by the state apparatus and therefore will not wish that for anyone nor condone it wherever it occurs,” he said.
The BCP, through its spokesperson, Mpho Pheko, also expressed serious concern about the reported incidents of violence and intimidation preceding the upcoming general election in Zimbabwe. “It is crucial that the will of the people be freely and fearlessly expressed as this is a fundamental principle of democracy. We must also point out that there are valid concerns regarding the voter's roll, which lacks user-friendliness. Worrisomely, political parties have not been accorded sufficient time for dispute resolution,” Pheko said.
She said they encourage all Zimbabweans residing in Botswana to go home and vote for CCC. “As the largest opposition party in Zimbabwe, the CCC has worked tirelessly in the struggle and understands the challenges faced by the people of Zimbabwe. They offer the best chance of bringing about not only change in Zimbabwe but also hope in a region plagued by corrupt governments that betray their citizens in pursuit of personal enrichment.”