Stage set for big bash

Herald Reporters
AFRICAN Heads of State and Government, former presidents and high-ranking dignitaries, started arriving in Harare yesterday to attend President Mugabe’s inauguration at the National Sports Stadium today.President Mugabe romped to victory with 61,09 percent of the presidential vote against MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai’s 33,94 percent, with Zanu-PF clinching 160 seats out of the 210 National Assembly constituencies to get a crushing 76 percent dominance in the Lower House.

After factoring in 60 women’s quota seats elected by proportional representation of six for each of the 10 provinces, the final composition of the 270-member National Assembly comes to 197 seats for Zanu-PF, 70 for MDC-T, two for MDC, and one independent, giving Zanu-PF just under 73 percent of the total seats in the National Assembly, but well over the two thirds majority of 180 seats.

In local authority elections, Zanu-PF soundly trounced MDC-T, winning 1 493 wards against a mere 442 for MDC-T.
Some leaders jetted in late last night, while others are expected today.

Sadc Troika immediate-past chair and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and Mauritian President Rajkeswur Purryag arrived at the Harare International Airport last night ahead of today’s grand occasion reminiscent of the 1980 inaugural inauguration.

President Kikwete expressed happiness in joining Zimbabweans in celebrating the successful conduct of the harmonised elections last month.
“We came here to join our brothers and sisters as they celebrate their peaceful and successful elections,” he said.

President Kikwete said he played his role to assist Zimbabweans in resolving their political differences.
“It was an opportunity (for us) to play our humble role for our brothers and sisters to bring back unity and stability to their country and we wish them well,” he said.

President Kikwete was welcomed by outgoing Minister of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development Dr Olivia Muchena.
He was also welcomed at the Rainbow Towers Hotel by the Tanzanian community resident in Zimbabwe.

Speaking through an interpreter, President Nguema Mbasogo said the  harmonised elections reflected the will of the people of Zimbabwe.
As such, he said, Malabo was happy to join Harare in celebrating today’s occasion.

“The winning of the elections reflected the will of the people,” he said.
“That is the real democracy when people decide on elections and we have come to support our brother (President Mugabe).”

President Purryag said his country would continue to work towards strengthening relations.
“We have good relations with Zimbabwe and we will continue to consolidate our relations and try to develop our bilateral relations in trade and other spheres as well,” he said.

“We are looking forward to work closely with Zimbabwe in order to develop our relations both economically, bilaterally and in the Sadc region.”
Both President Mbasogo and President Purryag were welcomed by the outgoing Public Works Deputy Minister Aguy Georgias.

Earlier on, Mr Abdelkader Bensalah, the number two of Hierarchy Protocol Order in Algeria (Second in Command from the President) also arrived to witness today’s grand occasion.

In an interview soon after his arrival, Mr Bensalah said he was representing his President, Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
“We need to express our solidarity. The people have made a decision and the number (of Zanu-PF victory) is an expression of what the people want,” he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a special envoy Mr Li Liguo to Zimbabwe to grace President Mugabe’s inauguration.
Mr Li, a Minister of Civil Affairs, paid a courtesy call on President Mugabe at State House yesterday.

“I am here to attend the President’s inauguration as a special envoy of the Chinese President Xi Jinping,” he said.
Mr Li conveyed President Xi’s congratulation message to President Mugabe following his resounding victory in the July 31 harmonised elections and the Chinese Government’s commitment to strengthening existing historical bilateral relations.

South Sudanese Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Bernaba Benjamin said on his arrival that his country was happy to congratulate President Mugabe over his overwhelming win in the harmonised elections.

“The result is quite convincing and we are happy to be here for the inauguration of the President,” he said.
Former Tanzanian Presidents, Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Benjamin Mkapa and Swaziland Prime Minister Mr Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini also arrived yesterday.

Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Mozambican President Armando Gebueza, former South African President Thabo Mbeki and the current Vice President Kgalema Mothlante are expected to jet in the country this morning.

Malawi Vice President Khumbo Kachali was expected late last night.
President Mugabe garnered 61,09 percent of the valid votes compared to 33,94 received by his nearest challenger MDC-T’s Morgan Tsvangirai in elections that have been endorsed by Sadc the AU, Comesa and various

other progressive groups.
Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Ray Ndlukula said over 30 Heads of States and Government and other former Presidents drawn from countries across Africa and others from beyond the continent had been invited and are expected to attend.

Other logistical arrangements that include transport for people in Harare and across the country have also been arranged to ensure that people who want to attend the inauguration can do so without hassle.

People wishing to attend the event have also been given the
opportunity as the day has been declared a Public holiday.

A number of international artists from Jamaica, England and the African continent have been invited to spice the event.
All roads will today lead to the giant National Sports Stadium where President Mugabe will be sworn-in as the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku will administer the oath of office at the ceremony expected to be attended by thousands of Zimbabweans and high level dignitaries from several countries.

The inauguration follows President Mugabe’s massive victory in the harmonised elections on 31 July where he scored 61,09 percent of the presidential vote compared to his rival Mr Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC-T who managed only 33,94 percent.

Mr Tsvangirai filed a petition at the Constitutional Court contesting the results which he later purported to withdraw, but the court went ahead to issue judgement in favour of President Mugabe, arguing that the withdrawal was a nullity at law.

Zanu-PF won more than two thirds of the seats in the National Assembly that are crucial for constitutional amendments.
Preparations for the event were being finalised by last night, with final touches being put on the public address system and tents for the VIPs.

Various groups held last minute rehearsals in the afternoon at the venue to perfect their act for the event.
Uniformed forces went through their drills, while the committee in charge of organising the event held its final rehearsals.

Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda toured the venue in the company of Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu and Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister Ignatius Chombo.

Dr Sibanda said they were satisfied with the preparations and said all was now set for the grand occasion.
“We are convinced that things will go well,” he said. “Everything is under control, so I am happy that the team we have put in place has done a wonderful job. We are convinced that it will be a successful programme.

“We are really geared and everything is under control.”
Principal director in the Ministry of Education, Art, Sports and Culture Reverend Paul Damasane said a lot of entertainment had been lined up for the inauguration.

He said reputable local and international artists would entertain people during the inauguration and at a gala to be held after the event.
Popular rhumba musician Koffi Olomide was expected to arrive late last night for the event.

“We have Kofi Olomide as one of our major entertainers,” said Rev Damasane. “We also have Black Uhuru from Jamaica. A Chinese group would also entertain the people.”

The cast for local performers includes Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu and Iyasa.
Rev Damasane said there would be a traditional Jerusarema dance group from Murehwa to entertain people.

President Mugabe’s election was widely accepted by various countries from all the continents and the presence of a number of leaders would be testimony to the confidence the world has in his leadership.