Mash East chiefs hail peaceful elections

Victor Maphosa Mash East Bureau

Traditional leaders in Mashonaland East Province have commended the peace that prevailed before, during and after the harmonised elections.

The traditional leaders added that the polls were free, fair and transparent.

Zimbabwe held its harmonised elections on August 23 and 24, with Zanu PF winning 136 National Assembly seats while President Mnangagwa won the presidential election.

In Mashonaland East Province, ZANU PF bagged 19 constituencies against the CCC’s four out of 23.

Mashonaland East provincial elections officer Mr Collin Munetsi said no incident of violence was recorded across the province.

Accordingly, traditional leaders across the province have applauded the peaceful environment in which the polls were held.

In an interview, chairman of the Mashonaland East Chief’s Council, Senator Nechombo, congratulated President Mnangagwa for the win.

“As traditional chiefs, we commend the environment in which the harmonised elections were conducted,” he said. “There was peace and calm in all areas across Zimbabwe. We did not even hear or record any incident of violence.

“People came out in their numbers to vote in peace. We are thankful as traditional leaders in Mashonaland East Province that people here continue to respect each other. There was political tolerance and maturity which we continue to applaud.”

Senator Nechombo said most polling stations opened on time and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission staffers conducted themselves professionally.

He added that people voted and went back home to do their everyday chores, as opposed to what CCC leader Mr Nelson Chamisa was urging his supporters to wait near polling stations to “defend their vote”.

“Results were announced and we want to congratulate President Mnangagwa for winning in the race. We say congratulations,” he said.

Traditional leaders, said Senator Nechombo, continue to urge everyone to remain peaceful and continue working for national development.

“A peaceful environment is pivotal for development and growth of a nation. So, let us maintain peace and continue working towards national economic growth,” he said.

“On behalf of chiefs in Mashonaland East Province, we are happy with the way the elections were conducted. They were peaceful and transparent.”