Polad to remain -President Mnangagwa

Harare (New Ziana)-The Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) will remain in place as it is a useful platform for opposition party leaders to share notes with government officials, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Monday.

After winning the 2018 Presidential election, President Mnangagwa set up Polad as a platform for all the candidates that lost to him in the poll to contribute ideas towards nation-building, and also to heal election-related animosities.

However, Citizens Coalition Change (CCC), formerly MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa refused to join, arguing that he would not be banded with small parties that did not have any followers.

Chamisa, who disputed the results of the election alleging rigging although without producing proof, demanded exclusive dialogue with President Mnangagwa outside Polad.

Responding to questions from journalists after announcing his new Cabinet, President Mnangagwa said political parties which contested in the 2023 general elections but lost to Zanu PF will be given an opportunity to share notes with his administration.

“Polad platform was extremely useful. Through the Polad platform, we were able to interact and exchange notes across the board. I think this platform will continue so that all the political parties will come on board and we will continue that practice. It was very unique,” he said.

Asked whether he would consider appointing members of the Citizens Coalition for Change to the remaining deputy Ministers posts, President Mnangagwa said it was better for the party to continue being in opposition.

“I am in the category of those who do not want to do it because I have a huge majority, and I think the opposition will enjoy being in the actual opposition rather than being in government. They then fail to be opposition,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said he appointed five female Ministers and he did not do it to please feminist organisations.

“If you look at me, who do you think anyone can put pressure on me? No pressure,” he said.

He justified his re-appointment of Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry, saying he was satisfied with her performance.

“The fact that I have re-appointed her means I am satisfied. I do not know who is not satisfied, when they become the President they will remove her,” he said.

New Ziana