Opposition leader hails peaceful campaign

THE president of the newly formed Zimbabwe Rainbow Democratic Party (ZRDP) Mr Cuthbert Ncube has hailed the peaceful environment obtaining in the country, saying his party's election campaigns that are in full swing have been violent free.

He said if the situation persists, the July 30 polls would be credible and transparent.

Speaking at a rally in Old Pumula suburb on Saturday, Mr Ncube said his party appreciates efforts under the new dispensation for people to express themselves freely as well as associate with the party of their choice.

ZRDP is eyeing six senatorial, 11 municipal and eight National Assembly seats.

Mr Ncube said his political party is one year old but has managed to garner some support.

"We welcome the new era that has enlightened many of our countrymen to know about their rights. The battle has begun and so far since the Zimbabwe Rainbow Democratic Party started campaigning, it has been peaceful. We commend that and hope to experience the same even after the elections," said Mr Ncube.

"What we call for is that all political parties respect the electorate. Our people have so long been denied basic rights such as freedom of expression.

"The time is now for us to vote in candidates that are going to give us economic freedom.  There are certain unruly elements that are perpetrating violence and are reported to be influenced by some unscrupulous traditional leaders. We hope that situation is corrected as a matter of agency."

Mr Ncube, who is contesting for the Bulawayo East National Assembly seat, said this year's election is "no child's play".

He said his party is preaching the gospel of peace in order for Zimbabwe to usher in a unified consensus to rebuild the country.

"ZRDP is founded upon the need for people to work together in an environment that attracts investment, prosperity and bring economic freedom. These forthcoming elections should not be about consolidating power. Individuals bent on uplifting themselves must not be voted into office," he said.

"In our campaign we preach peace. It is our responsibility. As such we pray that institutions of authority allow people to choose leaders, be informed so that they upgrade their lives for the better."

ZRDP has launched campaigns in various rural constituencies.

On Saturday the organisation was among the first to render assistance to victims of a fire that gutted St Paul Clinic nurses' quarters in Lupane last Thursday night.

Mr Ncube said he has noted with concern how the dependency syndrome has cultivated a system of surviving on handouts in most rural areas.

"Our people need to be redeemed from the yoke of dependency. For how long must one be given handouts? No country can claim economic freedom if its people are reliant on gifts and aid. We as the future government are going to ensure that our people are provided for by the natural resources abundant countrywide. For that to happen, decentralisation has to be in place in order to foster development in rural areas," he said.

"The end of poverty lies in the mindset of the people and that means starting to vote wisely. We have to promote good living in rural areas. ZRDP has a strong presence in Lupane and Nkayi where we have had proactive discussions with people although we also have presence in other provinces."