Addressing a rally in Epworth at the weekend, Mnangagwa
admitted that the party’s internal elections held in December last year were
very chaotic amid allegations of vote-rigging, violence and factionalism.
“I am aware that we have by-elections coming up and during
the provincial elections, we got reports that they were chaotic. Conflicts are
accepted in the party but if a candidate wins, we must all embrace the result
and rally behind them,” he said.
“We do not want thieves. I am told some of the candidates
ran away with ballot papers during primary elections. If you are the one who
disappeared with ballot papers, let it be the last time. Zanu PF loves peace.
“You must follow the laws that are in the party. Respect
the laws of the party. Do not join the
opposition. Do not ever attempt to leave. It’s cold out there.”
Mnangagwa blamed lack of development in the country on the
late former President Robert Mugabe’s era, saying that at that time, money that
was meant for development was looted.
“I sometimes question where money meant for development
went during the First Republic, but I’m quick to put myself to order (keep
quiet) as I was also part of the old regime.”
Political analyst Eldred Masunungure said: “Assuming it was
not a miss of the tongue, that is staggeringly shocking and yet unwittingly
true, especially from a regime that consistently seeks to distance itself in
word and deed from the so-called first republic.”
Mnangagwa also claimed that opposition Citizens Coaliton
for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa would not rule the country, saying it
would be a difficult feat for him to achieve.
But CCC national spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said Chamisa’s
victory was certain whether Mnangagwa liked it or not.
“CCC has gone viral and has caused Zanu PF and Mnangagwa to
go on panic mode. It is the people that will decide who will get to State
House,” she said.
Political commentator Effie Ncube described Mnangagwa’s
statement as irresponsible.
“It shows a complete disregard of the democratic tenets and
the people who are supposed to be electors. Whether the opposition stays in the
opposition forever or the ruling party stays in power forever, it is not
something to be decided by the President. It is out of his control. No party
stays in power forever regardless of what it is doing,” he said. Newsday
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