Zimbabwe: Opposition leader and Leader of the United Zimbabwe Alliance Elisabeth Valerio accused the government of ignoring their electoral promises. She alleged that the political party is making more efforts for securing political power.
She made these remarks in a twitter post one year after the country’s August 2023 presidential election. Notably, the leader of the United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) was the only female candidate in last year’s election.
She criticized the government in her post. She said that they are focusing on political manoeuvring instead of addressing the needs of the people.
“We expect the government of Zimbabwe to be entirely focused on fulfilling promises made to the people. But instead, many politicians in our government are already fixated on securing their positions for the next term.”
Valerio said that, “This blatant disregard for the needs of the electorate is a betrayal of the trust that was placed in them.”
She also accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of employing “reverse psychology” by suggesting he might step down, only to be persuaded to remain in office. Valerio described this as “a ploy to cling to power at all costs.”
Valerio said that she was concerned that senior members of the ruling ZANU-PF party have started promoting them for a third term for Mnangagwa. She said that the move was “unconstitutional” and said that it sets a “dangerous precedent.”
“The Constitution of Zimbabwe unequivocally outlines presidential term limits,” she said. “It is highly troubling and unacceptable that some are seeking to undermine this Constitution solely to serve the ambitions of a single individual.”
Valerio urged the people of Zimbabwe to resist the ruling party’s lack of a “coherent and democratic succession plan.” She argued that the pursuit of power without accountability or effective governance is “a grave injustice” to the nation.
“The citizens of Zimbabwe are not calling for a third term; they are demanding effective governance, protection, and quality public service delivery,” Valerio said, adding that no one is above the law.