1.
The NCA notes with satisfaction the peaceful
atmosphere that characterised the period before, during and after the
elections. All Zimbabweans have a responsibility to nurture this peaceful
environment and desist from any actions which may directly or indirectly
interfere with the peace prevailing in the country.
2.
The election results have been announced. There
are winners and losers. Every election has its winners and losers. Given the
peaceful nature of these elections and the compelling need to move our country
forward, the NCA urges the losers to concede defeat and take the country out of
the “permanent election mode” it has been for several years now.
3.
In urging the losers to concede defeat and let
the country move on, the NCA is not losing sight of the continuing desire by
the people of Zimbabwe to have democratic and genuinely free and fair
elections. The history and record of the NCA speaks for itself. One of the key
reasons why the NCA campaigned for a NO vote in the March 2013 referendum was
the clear point that the proposed Constitution provided an insufficient
framework for fair, transparent and credible elections. It is well known that
the political parties in the inclusive government united in their campaign for
a YES vote and hoodwinked the public.
4.
It is the NCA`s firm view that the complaints
raised against the 31 July 2013 poll by the losers do not raise anything new
and cannot be used as a basis for rejecting the results of an election in which
they participated voluntarily. It is not desirable to encourage a state of
affairs in our country where political parties participate in an election with
only two scenarios: either they win or
they dispute the result. Losing must always be one of the scenarios. In the
circumstances of this particular election, the complaints must be taken into
account for the next elections and for the reform agenda which remains very
much incomplete.
5.
The NCA, on its part, is convinced that the
votes cast on 31 July 2013 were the votes counted and announced. The NCA does
not know the reasons for that pattern of voting. The essence of an electoral
system based on a secret, one- person-one-vote is that each of the voters can
only be sure about the vote he/she has cast. Provided that the votes have been
cast freely, the result is binding. The way forward is to focus on moving the
country forward while preparing for the next elections.
6.
The interests of this country require that we
all move forward focussing on building the economy of country, deepening its
democratic systems, promoting peace and unity and encouraging all of us to
participate in the public affairs of our country. We should put the election
behind us and take lessons for the future.
7.
The NCA wishes to commend ZEC for discharging
its responsibilities diligently despite the severe constraints it faced.
Lovemore
Madhuku, NCA Chairperson 5 August, 2013
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