Mnangagwa Faces Scrutiny After Election Rigging Comments.

Speaking at the CEO Roundtable in Vic Falls, Emmerson Mnangagwa tells business directors that: in elections you rig. He says:

'You had frightened me that I'm meeting CEOs, meaning people who have succeeded in life and are at the top, but of course without election, which is good… pic.twitter.com/pZ4nVO2Qho

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 12, 2023

Agencies – Emmerson Mnangagwa is under scrutiny for his recent comments regarding election rigging, casting doubt on his legitimacy as the country’s leader. Last week, Mnangagwa made controversial statements during a meeting with business CEOs, where he implied that politicians ascend to power through election rigging rather than merit.

Mnangagwa’s initial remarks drew significant criticism from various quarters, leading to concerns about the integrity of Zimbabwe’s electoral process and the legitimacy of his presidency. However, in a recent statement published by a newspaper reportedly controlled by Mnangagwa, he sought to clarify his position.

According to the report, President Mnangagwa claimed that he did not rig the August harmonized elections, asserting that his victory was the result of years of hard work and merit. He spoke at a congratulatory business dinner organized by business leaders in the wake of his election triumph.

Mnangagwa stated that, like the business leaders present, the government was in place based on merit and not election rigging. He went on to emphasize his administration’s commitment to pro-business policies aimed at fostering a favorable environment for increased production and reduced business costs.

The President expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory in various sectors of the Zimbabwean economy, including increased local manufacturing and a rise in export earnings. He applauded the country’s citizens for their willingness to participate in national development.

Mnangagwa also mentioned ongoing efforts to integrate small and medium enterprises into the mainstream economy and promised support for their transition. He highlighted infrastructure projects aimed at improving trade routes and power generation, including the upgrade of Hwange Power Station.

While President Mnangagwa’s clarification seeks to restore confidence in his administration’s legitimacy and commitment to economic growth, his initial comments about election rigging have raised significant concerns among both the domestic and international communities.

Many are left wondering whether these conflicting statements reflect a candid admission of electoral manipulation or a genuine belief in merit-based leadership. The controversy surrounding Mnangagwa’s comments continues to fuel debates about the democratic process in Zimbabwe and the credibility of its elected leaders. The President’s ability to restore trust and address these concerns remains a topic of great interest and concern for the nation and the international community.