HARARE – Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Retired Lieutenant General Dr Sibusiso Moyo says the government of Zimbabwe is very satisfied that the full election preparation cycle has gone smoothly and according to constitutional time frames.
The government is also happy that the campaign period has largely been peaceful except for the insignificant intraparty skirmishes that characterised the political parties’ primary elections.
What probably jolted that peace and tranquility was the isolated terror-attack that targetted the entire top leadership of the ruling Zanu PF party at White City Stadium in Bulawayo in June, said Minister Moyo.
He assured the media that investigative competent arms of government are seized with the matter.
Turning to observers, Minister Moyo said government is happy with the overwhelming response of international community to President Mnangagwa’s invitation to observe the country’s harmonised elections.
Minister Moyo said many observer missions from the sub-region, the continent and beyond are already in the country and measures have been put in place to ensure they carry out their work unperturbed and without hindrance.
Government has also made sure that stakeholders and the civic society in the harmonised elections are fully prepared without any obstacles.
He paid tribute to those who have assisted the elections administration body to prepare for the elections but, however, expressed concern at untoward rhetoric and provocations by some very few stakeholders who wish to disturb the prevailing peace and tranquility in the country.
Government has at every turn throughout its campaign preached the gospel of peace led by President Mnangagwa to allow all stakeholders to exercise their rights.
Some foreign media were keen to know what the government is going to do about national peace and reconciliation, multiple farm ownership and other issues most which are already being attended to in various ways by the new dispensation.