Lusaka- The Southern African Development Committee (SADC) has extended its warm congratulations to President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe for successfully overseeing peaceful and credible elections of the highest quality. This commendation was conveyed by SADC Chairperson and President of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, during the recent virtual SADC Extraordinary Summit.
“Your Excellencies, allow me to congratulate President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and His Majesty King Mswati III, the King of Eswatini, for the exemplary elections that were recently conducted in your countries. The tranquility and orderly manner in which they took place constituted a major victory for democracy and a significant contribution to peace, stability, and harmony among all living forces of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
He continued, “Allow me to express our hope that this same spirit could also be seen in the elections that will take place in the Republic of Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
The official endorsement of Zimbabwe’s election results by SADC has put to rest various speculations and concerns raised by elements within the opposition and certain media outlets aligned with opposition interests. Initially, there were doubts about whether SADC would express positive sentiments regarding Zimbabwe’s electoral process.
These concerns, fueled by media reports and supported by opposition political parties, suggested that SADC might consider nullifying the election results and advocating for a fresh round of elections in Zimbabwe. These speculations gained momentum when opposition leader Nelson Chamisa sent a delegation to visit various SADC countries in an effort to garner support for his cause, which centered on contesting the election results and seeking a reevaluation of the outcome.
SADC’s clear and unequivocal endorsement not only reaffirmed the credibility of Zimbabwe’s electoral process but also dispelled any lingering doubts about the integrity of the elections. This move underscored SADC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and respecting the sovereignty of its member states. It conveyed a strong message that, in this instance, SADC had complete faith in the legitimacy of Zimbabwe’s election results and found no substantial grounds for intervention or dispute. Furthermore, it highlighted SADC’s dedication to ensuring the stability and continuity of democratic processes within the region.
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