Zimbabwe - Elections 2000 - Sustainable Democracy

Speaking to the nation last night on state television, Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe said the results of last weekend’s parliamentary elections where his party, ZANU-PF won a narrow victory, should “bind us all together, loser and winner alike.”

He pledged to work with the new parliament in which there will be the largest opposition in the country’s history from among 120 elected members. ZANU-PF won 62 seats, the MDC, 57 and the perennial one seat to ZANU. There are also 20 non-constituency members made up of eight provincial governors and 12 MPs nominated by the President. Ten other members are chosen from the Council of Chiefs increasing the size of parliament to 150 seats.

“We will be opening our sixth Parliament shortly, “ he told the nation. “I know that when you chose those people to be your MPs, you knew that they will be willing to work in harmony with the government in order for us to achieve our national goals of land redistribution, economic development and national unity.”

Appearing relaxed, the president spoke in English and Shona languages while Party Chairperson, John Nkomo, read the same statement in Ndebele. His speech was short and precise and made no mention of the MDC by name nor the closeness of the election except indirectly when he speculated that the sessions would be lively but in a way that enhances the work of Parliament.

Calling for winners and losers to put aside their political differences and collaborate for a unified and prosperous Zimbabwe, Mugabe sought to heal the troubled pre-election violence which left at least 30 dead.

“Despite our different skin shades, ethnic backgrounds and political affiliations, we should all be united.”

He also commended the electorate for peaceful voting and acceptance of the final results indicating it was a lesson for the world.

Mugabe reserved his strongest criticism for the international community and media, some of whom he said came with misconceptions, prejudices and a mission “to teach Zimbabwe how to hold elections.”

The “guests” went away “humbled and educated” at the way the poll was conducted.

“Among our guests were some who came much in the mould of the Victorian civilising mission to pacify and redeem the natives.” He also blamed the media for exaggerating the problems facing Zimbabwe.

Parliamentarians, the president stated, have a vast agenda ahead of them to improve the lives of the people and he promised to work with them to grapple with this challenge. (SARDC)