We’ll introduce sweeping reforms: ZCPD

Zimpapers Elections Desk

ZIMBABWE Coalition for Peace and Development (ZCPD) president Mr Trust Chikohora who is one of the candidates in the race to become the country’s next president, says his party will form an inclusive government if it wins the August 23 harmonised elections.

ZCPD is a coalition of parties that are part of the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad), a platform that was created after the 2018 elections to facilitate engagement among the country’s political outfits.

The grouping is made up of the Coalition of Democrats (Mr Chikohora’s own party); the People’s Democratic Party, which is led by Ms Lucia Matibenga; the Reverend Washington Chikanga-led Rebuild Zimbabwe Party; and the United Democratic Front, which is fronted by Mr Mapfumo Peter Gava.

Ms Matibenga deputises Mr Chikohora in ZCPD, while Rev Chikanga and Mr Gava are the secretary-general and treasurer-general, respectively.

Mr Chikohora told the Zimpapers Elections Desk that, if voted into power, the ZCPD government will embrace people from different political parties.

“As ZCPD, we want to build an economy that works for Zimbabwe. We will do this through instituting an inclusive government that will bring about the best that Zimbabwe has to offer from various political parties, even from people who are not from politics but are able to deliver the Zimbabwe that we all want.”

Their first task in government, he said, will be to attract both local and foreign direct investment to ensure rapid economic development.

The plinth of his administration’s economic policy, he said, will be agriculture and mining.

The presidential aspirant said there was need to grow value chains in the manufacturing sector.

ZCPD also plans to invest in massive infrastructure development, as well as rebrand the country to ensure it becomes a destination of choice.

Mr Chikohora is a chartered accountant by profession and a businessman.

He is a former president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.