Time to put finality to the 2008 aborted run-off

27 June 2008 will go down in history as one of Zimbabwe's darkest days. It was the day when the nation was subjected to a one-man race following unprecedented violence which forced Morgan Tsvangirai to withdraw from the run-off leaving President Mugabe to contest against himself. More than 200 innocent Zimbabweans lost their lives, property was damaged, homes were burnt down and thousands of people were displaced.

Our peace-loving nation was nearly plunged into anarchy had it not been for the timely intervention of SADC. The protracted GPA and subsequently GNU, gave the nation a new lease of life.

Zimbabweans have the patience of a pregnant mother. Had it not been for that, we could have easily followed the route of Mozambique, Sudan or Angola, some of the countries that have experienced bitter civil wars. But, for the love of peace and our potentially great country, desperate architects of chaos dismally failed to transform Morgan Tsvangirai into a replica of Alfonso Dhlakama, John Garang or Jonas Savimbi. This is exactly what they were looking for as a pretext for crushing the democratic movement once and for all.

The July 31 election presents Zimbabweans with the much awaited opportunity to put finality to the 2008 impasse and propel the nation to a new democratic and prosperous dispensation. From Beitbridge to Victoria Falls, Nyamapanda to Plumtree, the sentiment is the same; people are ready to finish off the unfinished business of 2008 once and for all. It is highly unlikely that there will be another run-off after July 31st as this election is virtually the run-off.

While the SADC roadmap was not followed or implemented to the letter, at least two things were achieved; a new constitution and a relatively peaceful political environment. As is the norm in constitutional democracies, our men and women in uniform have largely but rather ominously, confined themselves to where they rightly belong; in the barracks. Generals doubling up as political commissars for certain parties have been muted of late.

This semblance of professional conduct by our security forces is most commendable. When people start losing respect for the security sector, it is not because they hate such institutions, but because certain elements would have tarnished the good name of the establishments. Nevertheless, there is never a wrong time to do the right thing. Well done to those that have realised that the status quo is now untenable. Zimbabwe shall continue to exist long after those who abuse political power are gone. Let us not be too excited about sunrise as if we don't know that what follows is sunset.

Every citizen, including those in uniformed forces, must refuse to be abused by forlorn politicians who are clutching at the straws of their political careers. We have got one Zimbabwe and one only. Let us all serve it with honesty, pride and dignity.

To ZEC, your sole mandate is to deliver a credible election, nothing more, and nothing less. It is ordinary voters who should determine their destiny freely and nobody else. The last thing we want to see is yet another episode of "meticulous verification" or a chaotic and shameful election as seen recently with the special vote. SADC and the AU, as election observers and guarantors of the GPA, must come to the party with an open mind. Bringing pre-populated templates only waiting to be dated and signed will not be condoned. Observing an election is serious business, not just a routine formality or an opportunity to be on a fully paid for holiday.

This election is about our inherent national aspirations as encapsulated in freedom, dignity and prosperity. Therefore, the outcome must be freely determined through the ballot and not by any other means. We want to see losers graciously congratulating winners and winners humbly taking the oath of service and pledge to move Zimbabwe forward.

Let the giant of Southern Africa rise from three decades of deep slumber.

Moses Chamboko writes in personal capacity. He can be contacted at chambokom@gmail.com