Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
ZIMBABWE, which is making final preparations for next week’s elections for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), is confident that it will secure the much-needed votes, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.
In the lead-up to the June 3 elections, the country will engage other contesting parties and also make presentations outlining the country’s mission and position.
Prof Murwira told The Sunday Mail that Zimbabwe’s presentation will focus on four key thematic areas — multilateralism and inclusivity; trade; peaceful co-existence; and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
These areas, he said, will form the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agenda should the country secure the seat.
Last week, Zimbabwe, together with Trinidad and Tobago, participated in a briefing session for candidates, which was attended by United Nations (UN) member states and civil society.
Prof Murwira also said Zimbabwe’s candidature had been well-received by countries across the world, a development that has significantly boosted the nation’s confidence ahead of the polls.
The elections are for the 2027-2028 term.
Zimbabwe, which is Africa’s sole candidate, has already secured backing from more than 135 countries, including all 54 African Union member states.
Its candidature has also been endorsed by the Caribbean and Pacific regions, as well as Central and Eastern Europe.
“So, we have gone to states in the Pacific region, we have gone to the Caribbean, we have gone to Eastern Europe and we have approached a huge number of United Nations members on reciprocal support arrangements, as well as just support,” he said.
“We have been very well-received. For example, we are the sole candidate of the African Union, which means 54 countries are behind us in terms of support. Then we are supported by the Asia-Pacific region, we are supported by the Americas region, (and) we are supported by the European region.
“Just recently, one of the countries this week (last week) paid us a visit just to come and support Zimbabwe . . . So, we are really on a very good footing, and we are looking forward to a very good election on the 3rd of June.”
The final phase of preparations, Prof Murwira said, will also involve joint meetings and receptions with other countries bidding for the seat.
“Over the next two weeks, we are going to meet, have meetings with fellow countries that are candidates in order to understand each other,” he added.
“We will do joint presentations, as well as do joint receptions so that we conscientise the world as to what we stand for.
“Zimbabwe is going to emphasise the importance of multilateralism and inclusivity across all nations, big or small, following the ideal of sovereign equality of nations. Discussions have to take place because the supremacy of diplomacy is what we are looking for.”
He said the country believes in respect for international law, peaceful coexistence among nations and peaceful resolution of disputes.
“In addition, the basis for peace is for people to integrate economically, take the supremacy of trade and diplomacy.
“So, trade as an instrument of diplomacy is very important because trade talks about peace.”
Briefing session
Writing on microblogging site X, the Zimbabwe embassy at the UN said the country had last week attended joint sessions with other candidates bidding for the seat, a move that strengthens transparency, inclusiveness and accountability among nations.
“Zimbabwe, together with Trinidad and Tobago, participated in a briefing session for uncontested candidates for election to the United Nations Security Council,” the mission said.
“The session, attended by member states and civil society, was organised by the World Federation of United Nations Associations. The briefing provided an opportunity for the Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the United Nations, Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu, and the Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations, Ambassador Neil Parsan, to present their countries’ priorities should they be elected to serve on the Security Council.
“It also allowed for an open and constructive exchange with member states and civil society through a question-and-answer session. Zimbabwe values such engagements, which help bring the United Nations closer to the people it serves, while strengthening transparency, inclusiveness and accountability in multilateral processes.”
The 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC are elected by the United Nations General Assembly, which comprises 193 member states.
Voting is conducted by secret ballot, with candidates required to secure a two-thirds majority — at least 128 votes — even if running unopposed.
