The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Reporter
OPPOSITION Party, Zimbabwe Rainbow Democratic Party (ZRDP) has conceded defeat at the just ended harmonised elections and indicated it has started preparations for the next election in 2023.
ZRDP president Mr Cuthbert Ncube said the party would embark on an outreach campaign sensitising communities on the importance of voting for people who have the ability to influence positive change to their livelihoods.
“We have resolved to go on an aggressive awareness campaign. Our people need to be educated to go beyond political affiliation and look from a broader perspective even in choosing leaders, be it for National Assembly. We are on the ground in preparation for 2023,” said Mr Ncube.
ZRDP had candidates who were vying to be MPs in Bulawayo East, Magwegwe, Pumula, Lupane East and Nkayi North constituencies. Mr Ncube said the elections were held in a peaceful environment.
“We really appreciate that the elections were peaceful and were conducted in a manner that was a bit satisfactory though some of our expectations were not met by Zec, particularly in the announcement of results which later prompted people to take to the streets. Some of the ballot papers were not clear resulting in people spoiling it after failing to identify their preferred candidate,” he said.
Mr Ncube said political leaders should refrain from uttering statements which are most likely to incite violence.
“ZRDP condemns the loss of lives in Harare. We are calling for political parties to desist from making reckless, irresponsible and provocative statements and appeal to use official and diplomatic channels to air out dissatisfaction and concerns,” he said.
Mr Ncube said people should also shun engaging in demonstrations but seek constructive ways to resolve their grievances.
“I appeal to all people to shun these demonstrations as they don’t serve a constructive solution to the expectations of our peace loving people. Those demonstrations will not yield any positive results but leave our people injured and dead. Is this what we want to see in our Zimbabwe?
“I also appeal to our youths to use reason and logic at this point in time and act responsibly. Please shun away from instigating violence that will result in innocent lives being lost. My appeal also goes to the law enforcement authorities to practice caution in their line of duty,” he said.
@DNsingo
