MARTIN MAWAYA
TONGOGARA GROWTH POINT-Zanu PF candidate, President Mnangagwa has dared foreign observers against interfering with the country’s electoral processes, adding that they should stick to their mandate.
Mnangagwa said this while addressing his final rally before next week’s harmonised elections which Zanu PF dubbed ‘the mother of all rallies’ at Tongogara Growth Point in Shurugwi North Constituency today.
Mnangagwa will square off against his main rival, Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change whom he defeated by wafer thin margin of 30 000 votes in 2018.
“As the country, we have invited observers all over the world to observe our elections. However, they should not come to observe these elections with foregone conclusion and teaching us democracy because it is us not any other organization that can teach us how to conduct peaceful election. They should abide by the election code of conduct,” said the exuberant Mnangagwa before a bumper crowd.
The President urged observers to give the country it’s due respect, adding that Zimbabweans must remain vigilant against the detractors who want to abuse the country’s good hospitality.
He said, “Zimbabweans will not allow defeatism and will stand up to defend their rights by voting for Zanu PF in next week’s elections”.
He implored party supporters to remain peaceful during and after the elections.
Mnangagwa’s call comes at a time when the EU-Election Observation Mission refuted claims of interference and improper conduct which was published in the state media yesterday.
In a statement, it’s Chief Observer mission Fabio Massimo Castaldo said the allegations were fabricated and aimed to discredit the mission.
“The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) is astounded by the defamatory and malicious accusations made in an article, published in local Zimbabwean media yesterday. These allegations are based on unsubstantiated rumors and entirely fabricated.
“The EU EOM and its observers do not engage in inappropriate activities, nor does the EU EOM interfere in the process. The EU EOM adheres to a strict code of conduct.
“The EU EOM has taken note of previous unacceptable attempts to discredit the mission. The EU EOM sees these articles as blatant disinformation to the Zimbabwean public,” said Castaldo.
He added that the articles reflected a continued onslaught on the EU EOM observers.
