Mnangagwa says there is no need for violence in the coming elections

President Emmerson Mnangagwa today once again called for a peaceful poll saying there is no need for violence from the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front or from anyone else in the coming elections which he said will be held around July.

Mnangagwa earlier said the elections can be held before July but he told a mini-rally in Chirumanzu today that they will be held in July.

The constitution says they should be held between 23 July and 21 August.

Mnangagwa said he would be free to announce the election date any time after 12 February.

The President today reiterated that the elections will be open to international observers including the European Union.

Mnangagwa has pledged to hold free, fair, credible, and transparent elections to allow the country to rejoin the international community.

People’s Democratic Party leader Tendai Biti however said the elections are going to be violent because the military, which intervened last year to force President Robert Mugabe out, is desperate to remain in power.

The Mail and Guardian, however, reported yesterday that Mnangagwa can win the elections without rigging because of the goodwill he currently enjoys.

Besides, the opposition is in disarray with Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai in hospital and his three deputies at each other’s throat over who will succeed him.

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