Mnangagwa Assures Businesses, Investors Security During Elections
President Emmerson Mnangagwa Friday assured businesses and investors that they are guaranteed the security of persons and property during the election season.
His remarks come amid fears that the 2023 harmonised elections could be violent.
Addressing a conference dubbed “ED Mnangagwa Business Summit” which was convened in Harare by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR), the president said:
My government wishes to assure business and investors that measures are in place to guarantee the security of persons and property during the election season.
May you as the business community complement these efforts by fostering peace, love and tolerance.
The conference was attended by some of the country’s top business executives, and ran under the theme, “Enhancing Development Through Public-Private Sector Engagement for Prosperity”.
History of Violence During Election Period:
Elections in Zimbabwe have often been violent, especially during presidential elections.
There have been reports of intimidation and harassment of opposition members and supporters.
In 2008, there was widespread violence and intimidation during the presidential election.
Zimbabwe’s last election in 2018 saw property destroyed in wild protests by some citizens who were agitated by the slow announcement of poll results by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
There have been instances of companies leaving Zimbabwe during elections in the past due to concerns about political instability and the potential for violence.
