Emmerson Mnangagwa on the Future of Zimbabwe

EMMERSON MNANGAGWA, PRESIDENT OF ZIMBABWE: I can assure you that time around we’re a very peaceful, free, fair campaign period which we have never experienced before. And we’re happy that that culture is taking root. I believe we should do everything possible and (INAUDIBLE) to make sure our people develop a culture of accepting opposing views within the community. And I’m happy that during the entire process of the electoral process we didn’t have any disturbances. All the political parties accessed what has (INAUDIBLE) would support them. The only (INAUDIBLE) which is regrettable is the one which happened two days after the elections, that is what has happened. We are so — we regret about that event and we did everything possible. We had to — they just (INAUDIBLE) a day or so — no, they (INAUDIBLE). I appointed a commission of inquiry to deal with that because I felt it would not be proper for ourselves to investigate ourselves. In fact, it was necessary to have an outside inquiry. But besides, my message from the day I took over on the 24th of November last year is peace, peace and unity, unity and love among our people. Yes, indeed, my — in terms of the constitution and in terms (INAUDIBLE) parliamentary democracy, it’s first past the (INAUDIBLE). And I had 50.6 percent. My nearest contender had 44 percent, I think. And in terms of a constitution I won the election, although it was very narrow. I agree. I hope that as we go forward and as we open up Zimbabwe, both economically and politically, I think with the policies we are putting forward people will understand we’re doing better. But if — indeed, if the position (INAUDIBLE) a better message than us, at the next election the people will support them.