SADC Calls for Speedy Elections in Zimbabwe




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PRETORIA – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for the Zimbabwean government to head to the polls without delay, following the resignation of long time leader Robert Mugabe, and the ruling party”s decision to name sacked vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa president.
SA News reported that the SADC has taken note of the positive political developments taking place in Zimbabwe, chief among them, the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Alliance said: ‘[We] express the hope that the Government of Zimbabwe will proceed to allow the people to express their will through democratic elections which should be held without delay. The Alliance further calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure respect for the human rights of the people of Zimbabwe’.

The Alliance applauded the peaceful manner, discipline and respect for human rights demonstrated by the Zimbabwean people and its leaders.

‘It is encouraging that all parties involved in this episode undertook unreservedly to uphold in the process of change the Constitution and its principles on protection and enhancement of human rights democracy and the rule of law,’ said the Alliance.

It further urged Zimbabweans to forge a new democratic dispensation that will turn its economy around and see it realize most of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and 2063 Agendas.

Former President Robert Mugabe resigned on 21 November 2017 after 37 years in office. The ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front party named sacked vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa its top leader and said it will sworn in as the nation’s president on Friday.

In a statement to Parliament, Mugabe wrote: ‘My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire to ensure a smooth, peaceful and non-violent transfer of power that underpins national security, peace and stability.’