Moses Matenga
President Emerson Mnangagwa has proclaimed July 30 as the poll date, setting tone for a fight with the biggest contender, the MDC Alliance, in a poll the Pan African Forum Limited survey predicts the veteran politician will win by 70%.
This comes as the Zanu PF leader said that he had gathered intelligence that some of those who won in the party primaries by using “tricks” were plotting to join hands with opposition forces to impeach him if he wins the July 31 polls.
MDC Alliance Presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa was quick to say he was ready to face the Zanu PF candidate but raised dust on “outstanding issues” he said should be addressed before the poll date.
The date for the polls is contained in Statutory Instrument 83 of 2018 published in an extraordinary government gazette published yesterday.
September 8, 2018 was also set as the date for the Presidential election run-off in the event that it is required.
Chamisa, through his spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka said the proclamation of the poll date was welcome as it falls within the constitutional requirements.
“We are ready for elections any day, anytime,” he said.”
“There is nothing wrong but all we are worried with are the prerequisites for a free and fair election. Issues to do with the ballot papers, the voters’ roll among other issues that he has maintained the silence of a grave on,” Tamborinyoka said.
Mnangagwa has invited several international organisations to monitor the polls that he maintains should be held in a free and fair environment.
He has also called his party supporters to desist from violence ahead of the polls.
Mnangagwa said there was a plot to work against his administration by some who he said had used all sorts of tricks to win the primary elections.
“l get intelligence that some of those who have won these primary elections have two minds. There have gone to join the Zanu PF wagon using various tricks, money included, with a possible view that once in Parliament they will join and move an impeachment,” he said.
“l encourage us to be guided by our party constitution which obligates each and every one of us to be loyal to the party and abide by its policies, rules and regulations,” he said.
He said all attempts will be thwarted and warned any member to be suspected of working against Zanu PF will be chucked out of Parliament.
