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THE long wait is finally over as Zimbabwe goes to the polls next week Wednesday.
Voters will be selecting the President, Members of Parliament and local authority councillors.
Since June when President Mnangagwa proclaimed August 23 as Election Day, various political parties and players have been campaigning and canvassing for votes, with the passionate plea to maintain peace being the overarching call.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says peaceful conduct in electoral processes is everyone’s responsibility.
It encourages political players, supporters and stakeholders to promote and uphold peace before, during and after elections.
The call was heeded as a largely peaceful environment has prevailed during the campaign period.
This is highly commendable because political violence is a form of electoral malpractice.
May the loud calls for peace be the soundtrack throughout this election season and long may it continue during the voting and beyond.
It is a criminal offence that can lead to prosecution and is punishable by imprisonment.
As is expected in a contest of any sort, there is likely to be differences but through it all, we have to respectfully agree to disagree.
National elections are not a war to fight personalities but are about finding the most takers for divergent political ideas.
The outcome may not go some protagonists’ way. But that should never turn us into antagonists.
As such, peace, unity and harmony must always be the winner.
The best interests of Zimbabwe should always come first.
Candidates and their respective supporters need to find those on the other side of the victory divide, congratulate each other, shake hands and embrace after the voting exercise and the announcement of the results.
Those eligible to cast their votes must exercise and enjoy their right to vote in peace.
Zimbabwe’s harmonised elections have attracted both local and foreign observers and conducting them under violence-free conditions will shame the detractors that are bent on discrediting the polls.
ZEC has also implored the public to desist from misinformation and disinformation that results in toxic narratives on electoral processes as these breed doubt and confusion while increasing polarisation, which in turn affects the credibility of any election.
To ensure a smooth voting exercise, ZEC has outlined prohibitions in the vicinity of polling stations.
Putting on party regalia, uttering any slogans, use or presence of a political party or candidate-branded vehicles, use of cameras or phones inside the polling station, distributing leaflets or pamphlets on behalf of any candidates or political party, causing disorder as well as public singing, dancing and use of bands or loudspeakers are some of the activities prohibited within a 300-meter radius of every polling station on polling day.
If one is registered to vote, they can cast their ballot next week on Wednesday after producing a metal or plastic identity card, or a waiting pass with the holder’s photograph, or a valid Zimbabwean passport at their designated polling station.
Zimbabwe uses the one person, one vote model and everyone’s vote remains a secret.
Online Reporter