Job Sikhala, a former Zimbabwean legislator, has criticized Zanu PF for allegedly meddling in elections across Southern Africa, including Botswana and Mozambique. This interference, he argues, endangers the safety of Zimbabweans in the diaspora and undermines regional stability. Sikhala’s remarks follow allegations from former Botswana President Ian Khama regarding Zanu PF’s role in fostering electoral fraud in neighboring countries.
Job Sikhala, a prominent opposition politician and former legislator from Zengeza West and St Mary’s, has expressed grave concerns regarding the involvement of Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, in the electoral processes of neighboring countries. During a recent rally in Botswana, former President Ian Khama alleged that Zanu PF has dispatched agents to manipulate the upcoming elections in Botswana, which are scheduled for October 30, 2024, as President Mokgweetsi Masisi seeks re-election. Mr. Sikhala, who is now the chairman of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), highlighted that Zanu PF, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who also chairs the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has previously engaged in electoral interference in Mozambique and South Africa. He stated, “As Zimbabweans, we are being risked being hated everywhere in the region because of a stinking party that loves to interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries.” He pointed out that such actions may foster resentment towards Zimbabweans abroad, undermining their safety and reputation. Furthermore, Sikhala noted that the interference by Zanu PF has been perceived as pervasive throughout the region, contributing to a climate of distrust and instability. He remarked, “The rigging cancer has been spread throughout the region. Everyone is crying against the activities of Zanu PF.” In Mozambique’s recent elections, significant numbers of Zanu PF supporters reportedly cast votes, raising questions over the validity of the election results, which favored the ruling Frelimo party. Former Zanu PF councillor Edison Manyawi publicly acknowledged his voting for Frelimo, despite the illegality of such actions, asserting that they did so in appreciation of Mozambique’s historical support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Mr. Sikhala underscored that Zanu PF’s continued meddling in regional politics jeopardizes SADC’s peace and security, saying, “This political party has become a danger to all SADC countries.” He further indicated that Zanu PF is attempting to influence elections in both Botswana and Zambia, revealing intelligence on their efforts to support former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who was ousted by current President Hakainde Hichilema. Sikhala contended that such interference is indicative of Zanu PF’s ongoing influence in regional politics, which leads to tensions within the SADC framework.
The political context in Southern Africa remains fraught with challenges rooted in historic liberation struggles. Zanu PF, the ruling party of Zimbabwe, has faced numerous allegations of electoral malpractice both domestically and in neighboring countries. This has led to criticisms from opposition figures like Job Sikhala, who accuse the party of destabilizing regional politics through its actions. The upcoming elections in Botswana add a new layer of complexity as observers express concerns over external influences that could affect the integrity of the electoral process.
In summary, Job Sikhala’s warnings about Zanu PF’s interference in regional elections shed light on the broader implications for Zimbabweans living abroad and the stability of Southern Africa. The party’s actions pose significant risks to diplomatic relations and the political landscape of the region, raising the urgent need for accountability and adherence to democratic principles among political entities in Southern Africa.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
