WARMING up for it: Nelson Chamisa calls for resolution of disputed August 2023 elections

Zimbabwe opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, has called for the resolution of the disputed August 2023 elections, which he claims were marred by electoral fraud and irregularities.

Chamisa emphasised the need for a legitimate and credible government chosen by the citizens of Zimbabwe, asserting that the current administration lacks the mandate to govern.

Chamisa Highlights International Condemnation

“The August 2023 elections were shambolic and disputed, and you, the citizens of Zimbabwe, have made it clear that the elections were improperly conducted and produced a manipulated outcome,” Chamisa said in a statement posted on his X page.

Chamisa’s statement had been preceded by a video clip post with a caption: “WARMING UP FOR IT…”

WATCH the video below. Post courtesy of X

WARMING UP FOR IT… pic.twitter.com/ZtIQhsap6y

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) May 26, 2024

Many are interpreting the video and statement to mean there could be more pressure piled on the government of Emmerson Mnangagwa ahead of a SADC summit scheduled for August 2024.

A mass demonstration would be a huge embarrassment for the Zimbabwean leader and could potentially force him to the negotiation table, according to prominent YouTuber Gambakwe Media.

In the statement, he highlighted the widespread condemnation from international bodies, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the Commonwealth, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which all deployed observer missions that questioned the integrity of the elections.

Chamisa claimed he received a significant mandate from the citizens, with nearly over more than two million votes, despite the contested election results.

Appeal to SADC for Intervention

“That mandate cannot be abdicated, abandoned, or surrendered,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution through regional and international channels.

Chamisa detailed his correspondence with SADC, beginning on September 26, 2023, when he requested the regional body’s intervention.

Although SADC acknowledged the request on October 23, 2023, Chamisa noted that the matter was still under consideration, prompting a follow-up on April 29, 2024, to expedite the resolution process.

“Our request to SADC was and remains very simple: we require their facilitation to peacefully resolve the issues around the irregular and disputed elections,” Chamisa explained.

He warned of the negative consequences of the current situation, including political intolerance, repression, unlawful arrests, and the erosion of democratic principles.

Socio-Economic Challenges Linked to Disputed Elections

Chamisa also highlighted the severe socio-economic challenges Zimbabwe faces, attributing them to the lack of a legitimate government.

“We have a tanking economy; systemic corruption; 49% of the population living in extreme poverty; USD$1.8bn lost to looting annually; USD$100m worth of gold smuggled monthly; galloping hyperinflation; half of the population that is food insecure; over three million Zimbabweans forced to migrate; 89% unemployment; and disputed national processes and elections,” he outlined.

He stressed the importance of addressing these issues for the country’s progress, calling on SADC, the AU, and the international community to reject electoral fraud.

“No government can justly claim authority to govern unless it is based on the will and consent of the people,” Chamisa said, urging regional and international institutions to uphold democratic values.

Chamisa urged Zimbabweans to remain committed to peaceful resolution and active participation in shaping the nation’s future.

“Zimbabwe is too beautiful and precious to be destroyed by flames of political disputes under our watch. Peace is fragile. Peace is sacrosanct. And the breakdown of peace knows no winner,” he said, expressing hope for a swift and effective resolution to the electoral crisis.

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