Residents hail peaceful polls

Rumbidzai Ngwenya and Samantha Chipoyera
Harare residents yesterday hailed the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for creating a conducive environment to conduct free, fair and credible harmonised elections on Monday. Residents who spoke to The Herald in the central business district (CBD) as the country awaited the July 30 election results indicated that a number of those who voted were satisfied with the conduct of the polls compared to their previous experience.

They said the freedom enjoyed by all political parties in the run-up to the harmonised elections made for a peaceful environment.

Lovemore Chayambuka, a 45-year old instructor at a driving school in the CBD, could not hide his excitement.
“The way this year’s elections were conducted was up to standard. There was no violence as compared to previous elections.

“The political space has been free. We were free to express our political views, wear our political party regalia and chant our party slogans anytime anywhere.

“Opposition parties were also allowed to hold rallies and they marched in town without fear of victimisation or consequences,” said Chayambuka.

“This could not be done during the Mugabe era, so I am happy that we have politically matured as a nation,” he said.
Tafadzwa Basera (28) of Highfield said while there were slight challenges in identifying the correct polling station, most people managed to vote.

“I went to the wrong ward and could not locate my name at the polling station.The polling officers told me where to go. I eventually located my ward and managed to vote but by then it was late in the day,” he said.

Another Harare resident, 33-year old Christopher Karizi, said he was proud that Zimbabweans had voted peacefully.
“Peace reigned this year, and I am proud. It shows that we have taken heed of peace calls that our leadership preached.

“Since I was young, elections in Zimbabwe have been characterised by violence. This year’s election was different,” said Karizi.

Some of those interviewed by The Herald could also not hide their excitement. They said this year’s elections were historic in that President Mnangagwa had declared whoever wins would lead country.
“The competition between ZANU-PF and MDC-Alliance was tough and victory can go either way,” said a resident who refused to be identified.
“The major difference is that this year we voted with hope, unlike previous years when the results were certain. We are anxious of the outcome, we can’t wait,” he said.
Vendors also praised this year’s electoral processes.
Evelyn Ruzvidzo (40), who operates near Charge Office and stays in Epworth, said residents were happy before and during the elections.
“For the first time during the election period in Epworth, there was harmony. This election will go down in the history of Zimbabwe as the most peaceful,” said Ruzvidzo.
Kombi drivers at Charge Office rank said they were waiting anxiously for the announcement of the results which they said would be reflective of the people’s choice.
They said the elections were free, fair and peaceful.
One kombi driver, 22-year-old Tatenda Sithole, said the responsible authorities and stakeholders had done their best to ensure transparency.
He urged Zimbabweans to accept the outcome of the elections and avoid unproved rigging allegations.
“People should accept the results this time no matter who wins. Truth be told, the processes were transparent and the authorities did their best.
“It would not make any sense to make allegations of cheating when we had international observers who were here to ensure credibility,” said Sithole.
“We wait for the results and after that we have to move on and rebuild the economy together,” he said.
ZEC, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and other constitutional commissions and stakeholders were primed to ensure there was no political violence before and during the poll.
ZANU-PF Presidential candidate Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa insisted on a Violence-free election and peaceful co-existence among Zimbabweans.