Harare (New Ziana) – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) election observer mission on Thursday said it was impressed with the ruling Zanu PF party’s commitment to free and fair elections.

The country is gearing for a general election next week in which a new president, and parliamentary and local government representatives will be elected.

Speaking to journalists after meeting Zanu PF secretary general, Obert Mpofu, the head of the SADC mission, Nevers Mumba said the ruling party assured them that the election will be free, fair and peaceful.

“We leave the meeting extremely encouraged that they have made a commitment to things that matter to all of us, to the Zimbabwean people to ensure that we work together to maintain peace in the nation in order for us to have acceptable and credible elections,” he said.

Members of former liberation movements – ANC, Frelimo, Swapo and the Malawi Congress Party also had the opportunity to meet with Mpofu to get a brief on Zanu PF’s preparations for the vote.

Lindiwe Zulu, chairperson of the international relations committee of South Africa’s African National Congress, thanked Zanu PF for inviting them to observe and monitor next week’s elections.

“For us as ANC, it’s an opportunity to strengthen our cooperation with sister parties,” she said.

Mpofu said he assured both the SADC and liberation movements that Zimbabwe is going to hold the most peaceful elections.

“We told them that this will be the most peaceful election if we are to gauge that from what has been happening throughout the rallies addressed by President Mnangagwa where there have been no incidents of violence. We also told them that some of the so-called violence cases are due to provocation from those that want to disturb our peaceful process,” he said.

New Ziana