Movement for Democratic Change Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa today said he was greatly disheartened by outgoing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Heroes’ speech because it was full of hate, finger-pointing, accusations and division.
Mnangagwa in both his Heroes’ Day speech yesterday and Defence Forces Day speech today called for unity and peace arguing that the time for politics and electioneering is over.
He, however, lambasted the Alliance for causing the violence that left six people dead on 1 August, two days after the elections of 30 July, but also two days before the announcement of the presidential elections results.
Mnangagwa beat Chamisa and is in fact currently the President-Elect but Chamisa rejected the results and is challenging them at the Constitutional Court.
In his speech at the Defence Forces Day today, Mnangagwa said: “Our country has, since Independence, remained as one of the most peaceful and politically stable countries in the region. Today’s celebrations come just two weeks after the country’s crucial Harmonized General Elections.
“These were held in a peaceful environment where citizens were able to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. Allow me, to extend my sincere appreciation to the whole nation for observing peace, before, during, and after these harmonized elections. This has made us proud as a nation.”
He, however, blasted the Alliance for instigating the violence that rocked the capital on 1 August.
“I am however deeply concerned with the incidents of violence that rocked the streets of Harare at the instigation of some members of the MDC Alliance leadership, which subsequently resulted in the regrettable loss of lives, injury to persons and damage to property,” he said.
“On behalf of Government, and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of the victims of the politically motivated violence.
“We strongly condemn these barbaric acts of violence. Let me once again state that violence and intolerance have no place in the new Zimbabwe, in our Second Republic.
“We continue to call for restraint, peace and more peace throughout the country. The new dispensation has opened up the country’s democratic and economic space and demonstrated that Zimbabwe’s democracy has matured. This, however, should never be abused. Let us bury our political differences and focus on rebuilding a prosperous Zimbabwe as one family,” he said.
Chamisa’s lawyers say he beat Mnangagwa at the polls and should be declared the winner or the country should hold fresh elections.
Mnangagwa’s lawyers will file their opposing papers tomorrow but one of his advisors, Lewis Uriri said the petition was headed for “imminent and predictable failure” adding that Mnangagwa could be inaugurated on 25 or 26 August.
Chamisa, who is already allegedly facing moves to kick him out of the leadership, tweeted: “National events & public holidays must be unifying, pacifying and non partisan. Statesmanship & great leadership are clearly lacking in one purporting to be a national leader.Disheartened by outgoing ED’s Heroes speech full of hate, finger-pointing, accusations & division!”
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