– It’s not automatic.

 – Huge challenges ahead.

By A Correspondent| The United Kingdom’s outgoing envoy has told Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy Kembo Mohadi, his administration faces difficulties entering the Commonwealth due to disputed elections.

Ambassador Catriona Laing said: “I understand the President had a meeting with Honourable (Patricia) Scotland (Commonwealth secretary-general) in New York.

“That process, as I understand it, has started but it wouldn’t formally conclude until the next Commonwealth Summit, which will be in Malaysia in 2020.

“We are very supportive of Zimbabwe rejoining the Commonwealth. There is a process to follow. It’s not automatic. It involves ensuring that the Harare Declaration, which was signed here in early 1990s is enacted and that means issues like free and fair elections, an independent Judiciary and respect for the rule of law that are very helpful for Zimbabwe to have that confidence because it will be able to demonstrate to the world that it is transparently meeting that criteria.”

Ambassador Laing also added saying Mnangagwa has serious challenges ahead because of the just ended disputed 2018 elections.

“There have been many positive changes but there are still some huge challenges ahead,” she said.

She continued saying, “we talked about the elections and the positive steps around peaceful elections and the high turnout but also some concerns that the playing field is not completely even and the fact that the opposition has not accepted the results creates some challenges for Zimbabwe in terms of coming together as a country and moving forward.

“I urged the Acting President to try and ensure that everybody’s voice is heard in Zimbabwe. He of course has an important role to play as the person responsible for National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. He updated me on the work that is planned and we are very supportive and encouraging that process.

“We will also be following very closely the work of the Commission of Inquiry into the tragic events of August 1. We are encouraged that the Commission of Inquiry has been sworn in and there are very eminent people on that commission and we will be watching closely and look forward to seeing the results published and recommendations acted upon.”

Ambassador Laing was speaking to journalists following her meeting with Kembo Mohadi.