Mutare residents hail 2018 harmonised elections
MUTARE residents have hailed the 2018 harmonised elections describing them as peaceful, free and fair, and expressed hope that the new government borne out of the election was prepared to advance the will of the people.
In a snap survey carried out by The Manica Post in the city, residents said they exercised their constitutional right to vote for candidates of their choice without fear and were patiently waiting for the outcome of the presidential election.
Willard Chigoro (23) of Dangamvura said he appreciated the efforts by political leaders to maintain a peaceful plebiscite ensuring that people carried out their constitutional right to vote in peace.
“I want to appreciate efforts made by the political parties during the run-up to the polls in preaching the gospel of peace. The campaigns were peaceful and violence-free, which paved way for the smooth flow of the voting process,” he said.
Shammar Nyagura (25) of Hobhouse said this year’s elections were held with a difference and that she appreciated the efforts by both political parties and the electorate in maintaining peace and order.
“Previous elections have been controversial, characterised by reports of abuse and violence. The commitment by the political leaders and the President to hold credible elections was a welcome development in facilitating the democratic process,” she said.
This year’s elections attracted a huge turnout and the youths in the country are optimistic that whoever forms the new Government is capable of advancing their aspirations as far as job creation is concerned.
Grace Chikuni (30) of Sakubva in Mutare Central constituency said: “I am thankful for the peace that was in Mutare for the past few days since the elections started but I am heart broken by the protests and loss of life by our fellow Zimbabweans in Harare. I wish they could behave in a peaceful manner and accept whatever outcome is announced.”
Chikuni added that there was a little incident that erupted on Monday when Innocent Gonese of the MDC Alliance won the seat of Member of Parliament for Mutare Central.
“People were running around vandalising property while celebrating victory for MDC Alliance in the constituency but they were warned by the police to behave and they listened that is how the vandalism ended,” he said.
John Mandeya (29) from Chikanga-Dangamvura constituency echoed Chikuni’s peace appreciation in Mutare.
He said: “Mutare has always been a peaceful place and I pray it remains the same. Before elections, people were happy and this was the same during the elections.”
He added that people should not risk their lives by protesting even though it is their constitutional right to do so when it is necessary.
Miriam Chisvo (26) from Mutasa South constituency said: “Before elections the atmosphere was good to a larger extent. However, Mutare is fine when it comes to political violence.”