European Union (EU) human rights envoy Eamon Gilmore has met ZANU PF and CCC party leaders where he urged them to work for a peaceful environment ahead of the 2023 general elections.

EU ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann on Thursday said Gilmore had met ZANU PF’s finance secretary Patrick Chinamasa and CCC leader Nelson Chamisa. He tweeted:

EU special representative for human rights Eamon Gilmore met with the two main political parties, CCC and ZANU PF.

He recalled the importance of credible and peaceful 2023 elections and encouraged everyone to keep respectful and non-violent rhetoric.

Gilmore is Ireland’s former Deputy Prime Minister, and former Foreign Affairs and Trade minister (2011- 14).

Since 2015, he has been the EU special envoy for the peace process in Colombia.

The EU recently pledged US$5.9 million to support the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to conduct a fair and credible election next year. Kirchmann said:

A credible election will allow Zimbabwe to create a prosperous environment and will help the country to achieve its national development strategy.

When I presented my credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa in October, I asked him how the EU can support the electoral process next year. He suggested that we support ZEC.

I think it’s a good thing because the EU is committed to supporting Zimbabwe to hold credible and peaceful elections in 2023 and beyond.

| NewsDay