By Political Reporter
Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s face of the opposition politics since the exit of the late Morgan Tsvangirai, Nelson Chamisa has emerged from his self imposed hiatus with a statement that he termed an ‘update’ to the nation this afternoon.
The opposition politician who quit the CCC late last year was full of confidence and like his usual self promised a solution is on the way for what he called the political impasse emanating from the 2023 general elections which he say birthed an illegitimate Government.
“Only a legitimate government chosen by the citizens has both the confidence and mandate to deliver on their necessities and demands. You voted for a government that would deliver healthcare, energy, water, jobs, stable currency, quality education and other basic services. You know why you voted for change. The current challenges of failing to resolve the huge national debt, high inflation, currency distortions, drought, starvation, poverty, poor income, the hostile political environment, an air of sadness and
brain drain are all symptoms of a government without a proper mandate. ” said Chamisa.
He reiterated the importance of free and fair elections, emphasizing that no government can claim authority without the consent of the people. He stressed that regional and international institutions cannot condemn a flawed electoral process while endorsing its outcome.
“Zimbabwe’s challenges are a direct result of the lack of legitimacy and mandate to govern. A truly elected citizen government is the solution for good governance and service delivery.”
Chamisa assured citizens that his commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes is not a sign of weakness, but rather a dedication to finding common ground and resolving conflicts amicably. He acknowledged the urgency of addressing the country’s political challenges, including the disputed 2023 elections, to ensure a stable future.
“We have committed to a peaceful resolution of disputes and intend to exhaust all available peaceful remedies. As you are all aware, millions of you agree with this approach. Zimbabwe is too beautiful and precious to be destroyed by flames of political disputes under our watch. Peace is fragile. Peace is sacrosanct. And the breakdown of peace knows no winner. The opposite of peace leaves us all losers,” he added.
Clad in a tie resembling the colours of the party he quit, Chamisa revealed that he has engaged various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, business leaders, civil society, political parties, and the diplomatic corps, to seek a lasting solution. He has also sought the mediation of church leaders and has attempted to engage with his presidential contender, despite limited progress.
“I have even numerously efforted engagement with the other presidential contender and he is aware of our point of dispute and the proposed way forward. We have also developed and shared our roadmap with all key stakeholders, which paper we are ready to make public in due course. We have engaged different stakeholders within the SADC region. At Heads of State level, I have engaged leaders through delegations that I sent to the various capitals of the region and the continent to brief Esteemed Excellencies about the election dispute, the political stalemate, and our proposed way forward.”
Chamisa also announced that he has developed a roadmap to resolve the political stalemate, which will be made public soon. However what was outstanding about today’s demeanour of the opposition figure, was a shift from the usual combative brave talk to a more conciliatory tone that is leaning towards dialogue as a solution to the political problems facing Harare.