The opposition leader’s cited injustices stand in contradiction to this. But perhaps his most important claim was outright victory in the presidential race before the votes were counted. He made clear that any other result otherwise would be — in his opinion — invalid.
The opposition are welcome to challenge the presidential result in court. Indeed, political stakeholders across the spectrum have urged them to rather than take to the streets.
The allegations will then receive the scrutiny of court rather than the receptivity of the mob; the violent minority amongst the peaceful crowd.
The claim will then be decisively found void or justified. The government shall respect this verdict and implement it – just as it shall with the independent commission’s conclusion on the incidents following polling day. Then Zimbabwe can move forward.
Nevertheless, I feel confident that the court will not find in the opposition’s favor. On August 3, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announced that Emmerson Mnangagwa returned 50.8 percent of the vote; the opposition leader 44.3 percent.
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network, a group of over 30 NGOs respected by foreign electoral observers, carried out independent poll sampling that corroborates this outcome; albeit with a 0.1-percent difference to the actual result. Furthermore, the ZEC has released individual polling station results on its website to promote transparency. Further scrutiny is welcomed.
Despite political differences, we must not weaken our grasp on that which is most important: maintaining peace.
We must remember the peace pledge that as political parties we committed ourselves just two short months ago. In that spirit, we urge the opposition to accept the court’s ruling on their position.
Our judgment is reached; we must come together and rebuild the nation. The opposition will have a responsibility to challenge the government openly and transparently – as is their democratic duty — in parliament. This they owe to their supporters and to all Zimbabweans.
Over the past nine months, our nation has taken great strides upon the path of democracy. Along the way, there may be missteps. Yet the determination of the people to stay on route remains resolute. There is still much ahead of us. And now, united, we must ensure that nothing should block the way.
By Sibusiso B. Moyo for The Daily Caller
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