Thumps up to peaceful by-elections

Manicaland should be commended for the peaceful and calm atmosphere prevailing in the province following the conduct of two by-elections in Dangamvura-Chikanga and Headlands constituencies on Wednesday. People trooped out to peacefully perform their civic duty of voting for leaders of their choice in the Dangamvura-Chikanga and Headlands constituencies without any incidence of violence.

We hail the electorate for setting a fitting example of political maturity and for comporting themselves in a manner that will further strengthen Zimbabwe’s democracy and consolidate the country’s place in the comity of truly democratic nations.

Voting in the two constituencies can be best described as transparent, inclusive and peaceful. We believe people voted with their heart and their vote affirms that they believe Dangamvura-Chikanga and Headlands constituencies’ future can be better than what it is today.

However, the need for adequate voter education was evident as it was observed that a significant number of voters were being turned away because of reasons that could have been addressed through voter education, such as turning up in the wrong ward, and not bringing the required identity documents.

For instance at Sheni Primary School in Dangamvura-Chikanga, some people that had visited the polling station in the morning were turned away either because they had turned up at the wrong ward or they failed to produce the required identity documents.

It is also regrettable that some political parties and independent candidates failed to deploy agents at all polling stations.
This development is unfortunate because election observation by agents remains an important tool that allows for assessment of the conduct of an election process on the basis of national legislation and the regional best practices.

Political parties observe key electoral processes in order to enhance their ability to speak authoritatively on the quality of the election.
To all individuals who cast their vote on Wednesday, we remind you that your vote should help your constituency move forward. You voted for change and that change has come.

The villages of Headlands and streets of Dangamvura and Chikanga suburbs in Mutare were flooded by hundreds of celebrating youths, chanting victory songs and expressing hope that their areas would get better under the new members of the house of assembly.

People have sent a clear message that they basically performed their duty as citizens of Zimbabwe. And Zimbabwe in general has demonstrated that it is capable of organizing peaceful by-elections despite predictions among skeptics that there could be violence during the voting.

We call on all concerned to continue to respect their commitments to a peaceful process based on respect of the rule of law, and to accept the outcome.
We trust that most people welcomed the results because the winners are the ones they voted for. Others will naturally be disappointed. We ask that we all be circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these circumstances.

Emotions may run high for some, but they must not allow them to get the better of them. This is a moment that we must begin work toward a better future.
The country should be proud of the fact that it carried out a representative election in an orderly manner. We urged those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process in seeking redress as nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Zimbabwean.