By Staff Writer
THE European Union (EU) says credible elections in the upcoming harmonised polls present the opportunity to accelerate the re-engagement press with Zimbabwe.
Relations between Harare and the Western bloc have been stale since the turn of the millennium following the decision by the former late president Robert Mugabe’s administration to carry out a chaotic fast tracked land reform exercise which saw EU citizens being kicked out of the farms.
A track record of human rights abuses since then also worsened the situation prompting the Western bloc to impose sanctions on Harare in a bid to pile pressure on authorities to reform.
However, since the inception of the President Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration, a new policy of re-engagement has been pursued and despite setbacks, relations between the duo appear to be a softening.
But addressing delegates at the belated Europe Day commemorations held in Harare Friday, EU head of delegation in Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann said credible elections present an opportunity for accelerated re-engagement.
“The upcoming harmonised elections will be a great opportunity to accelerate progress in this process and to trigger more positive changes. I would like to commend all political actors here present who regularly advocate for free, fair, peaceful and inclusive elections.
“As the EU, we can only make our small contribution to the electoral process by supporting the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in fulfilling its constitutional mandate, working with civil society, and through an Electoral Observation Mission, as I am confident that it will be invited.
“But, in any case, the elections are in your hands, in the hand of all Zimbabweans, and I trust that you will handle this enormous responsibility with sovereignty and care,” he said.
He expressed hope that s enunciated in the EU motto, “United in Diversity “…. The Southern Africa nation also shares similar sentiments .
“When I read the Preamble of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, it says: “We, the people of Zimbabwe, United in our diversity……”
“I think this sentence holds significant meaning, especially during this election year. It is essential to remember that all Zimbabweans, regardless of their differing opinions and standpoints, and we, as partners, share the same objective: the success of Zimbabwe in its ambitious vision 2030,” he added.
