The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) says Zimbabwe should hold fresh elections saying council, parliamentary and presidential polls held last week were not free, fair and credible.
Speaking to journalists in Harare today, Gift Ostallos Siziba, deputy CCC spokesperson, said the party will be engaging all stakeholders, including the Southern African Development Community, in resolving the political crisis in the country.
Siziba said, “It is clear and non-negotiable that we cannot settle for any leader of Zimbabwe who lacks a true democratic mandate. A true, democratic mandate can only be derived from the freely and equally expressed vote of the people. It is therefore clear that no one can be inaugurated as president on the basis of this fatally flawed election and these illegitimate results. Thus, there is only one option: we must have fresh elections.
“The fatally flawed execution of this election has fully obscured the will of the people. There is no alternative but a new, clean, fresh election to let the people freely and equally decide who shall lead our country. Only a fresh election, in which the voters roll is provided as required by law; in which no systematic intimidation is allowed outside the booths as required by law; in which all polling booths are open during full daylight hours as required by law; after which all results are fully and transparently tabulated; only that can possibly provide a democratic mandate. The election must be preceded by political and electoral reforms agreed to by all stakeholders, chief amongst which is disbanding ZEC as currently constituted.”
He could not say it they will take the matter to court, noting that they will use many ways of ensuring that there is democracy in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean officials were unreachable for comment but police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi, issued a warning that they will punish those planning to engage in public protest to express their anger over the outcome of the elections.
In a statement, Nyathi said, “The police has taken note of offensive messages circulating on social media platforms openly agitating for violence and illegal gatherings especially in Harare and Bulawayo. The public is accordingly advised to ignore these messages are being circulated by elements who are not resident in the country.”
He said the police “is on high alert and will deal decisively with unruly elements bent on disturbing the current peaceful environment obtaining in the country.”
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission declared President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa winner of the 2023 presidential election.
Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change interim leader, Nelson Chamisa, has rejected the presidential election results.
Forum