adminas it sets to achieve its targets.
The uncertainty that had been shrouding the election date prior to the announcement has been doing more harm than good to an economy that has always been sensitive to debate around the polls.
Investors on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and in other sectors of the economy have been sitting on the fence for too long, waiting for the pronouncement and guidelines therefrom.
This is not peculiar to Zimbabwe. Elections worldwide bring business to a standstill as results always have a bearing on the direction an economy will take.
In Zimbabwe, the business community has generally been pensive, with most projects being held in abeyance as it awaited guidance pertaining to the election period.
Now that the timeframe has been set, business can plan and go about its activities with a clear indication of when the plebiscite will be held.
One factor that pushes off investment is uncertainty in any form, particularly for something as transforming as a country’s elections.
It is small wonder that the business community this week heaved a sigh of relief as expressed by representative bodies such as the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and the Zimbabwe Economic Empowerment Council.
The words on Tuesday by CZI president Mr Kumbirayi Katsande were instructive:
“There is no doubt that for business to thrive, it requires an environment that has certainty because obviously people want to know what is happening and what will happen. The Constitutional Court’s ruling is part of the story that will bring this certainty.”
ZNCC president Mr Oswell Binha said as much, describing the environment as conducive for elections.
The business community constitutes key stakeholders whose endorsement of the time frame augurs well for the economy and the country at large.
The international business community, which is closely following proceedings here, should also stand guided. The confidence expressed by local business should give a cue to foreign interest in the economy.
Of course, business will be more confident and the path much clearer after the elections but as things stand, there is no excuse for any sane investor to withhold their plans.
While some may be fixated on issues around the elections, there are always those that have long term interest in the country who will not stop at nothing but pursue available opportunities to start or grow their businesses in spite of the elections.
These will always be streets ahead when others re-awaken after the elections.
Zimbabwe is an economy pregnant with opportunities which those blessed with foresight will not miss.
President Mugabe has been at the forefront clamouring for peaceful elections, a factor that should send the message out there that the elections are not expected to be disruptive and businesses will certainly not be under any threat.
Zimbabweans are generally a peace-loving lot who will not let elections undo economic gains achieved so far.
Peaceful elections are critical so that the recovery mode in the economy is not frustrated, as Zimbabwe prepares for a fifth consecutive year of positive economic growth.
The economy is expected to grow by 5,5 percent this year, in consonance with the continent’s economic projections.
We expect business to be alert to the fact that it will not be a mere observer but has itself a role to play in fostering peace and ensuring that its constituency is well-informed and adequately prepared for the impeding elections.
Those employees and managers that were yet to register as voters will need to do so in time and ensure no one is denied their constitutional right to vote.
We will expect the business community to complement efforts by Government to ensure a conducive environment for elections.
The tripartite relationship between Government, business and labour will need to be more evident during this period.
Online Reporter