Leaders of political parties in Zimbabwe have signed a peace pact on Tuesday ahead of next month’s crucial elections.
The parties and their candidates for the elections signed a peace pledge to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
A signing ceremony took place in the capital Harare. But was not attended by the two leading candidates, President Emerson Mnangagwa and opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa.
The leading candidates however sent representatives. All the candidates and parties have assured their followers of resorting to peaceful means in resolving their grievances.
Why is the pact important?
The peace pact has become crucial after last Saturday’s explosion at a political rally.
The rally was attended by Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa who had just finished addressing supporters.
The blast occurred at a stadium in the country’s second city, Bulawayo. Two people have died from injuries sustained in the blast.
Almost 50 others also sustained injuries in the blast.
Act of terrorism
The Vice President Constantino Chiwenga had said that Saturday’s blast is a “terrorist act”.
“The police will hunt down the criminals. They will be hunted down and they will be brought before the law,” Chiwenga told another campaign rally in capital Harare.
Potential motive?
Zimbabwe’s national police spokeswoman Charity Charamba says police are looking for leads.
Charamba says a “substantial reward” is on offer for possible information on those behind the explosion.
Mnangagwa became president after the military led by his current vice, Chiwenga took control of the country then led by Robert Mugabe.
Former President Mugabe has condemned the entire incident which led to his resignation last year.
Elections to go ahead
Zimbabwe is expected to hold presidential election on July 30. The main contenders are Mnangagwa, 75 and 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa who leads the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.
Despite the blast, the government says the polls will happen as planned.
Next month elections will be the first without Robert Mugabe’s involvement since 1980 when he led them to gain independence.
Source: Africafeeds.com
