Following the recent elections in Zimbabwe and the Constitutional Court verdict dismissing Nelson Chamisa’s presidential challenge, the United Kingdom Minister of State for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reach out to the opposition. Baldwin also called on the opposition to play their part in the healing process.
We publish the full statement below,
The recent poll was an acknowledged improvement on previous Zimbabwean elections, however, international observer missions highlighted significant shortcomings. Their recommendations must be addressed quickly to build much-needed confidence in Zimbabwe’s democratic process.
While polling day passed peacefully, the UK is gravely concerned by the violence and human rights violations since, particularly the deaths of six people on 1 August. The President must make it his priority to ensure these incidents are thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice.
We call on President Mnangagwa to reach out to those who did not support him or his party in these elections and work to build their confidence and trust. And we call on the opposition to play their part in the healing processes. Zimbabwe faces significant challenges. It is vital that Zimbabwe’s political leaders focus on moving the country forward, with all parties committing to eschew violence, uphold the rule of law, and put the best interests of the country first.
The UK will continue to work alongside the international community to support good governance and improvements to democracy and human rights, and we will work with political leaders from all sides in Zimbabwe to support a better future for all Zimbabweans.
……I have just been reviewing that Independent Zimbabwe has had nearly more than 12 elections and 2 referendums since 1980. We have been constrained and weighed under by pre inter and post election fever…nothing can happen or develop while we wait for elections and their outcomes…regrettably most of which have been disputed over the years…we must draw a line ….and declare that we don’t want anymore disruption because someone dreamt himself inspecting a guard of honour by the army and other uniformed forces or that he dreamt of waking up at No 8 Chancellor Army. For now we the people should be the focus of the attention of all our leaders both the successful and those who did not…..the people matter not an aspiring leader’s dreams….
…..No 8 Chancellor Avenue….Borrowdale …