Zim ‘special envoy’ in Seychelles as Mnangagwa briefs region ahead of elections; Harare insists vote will be free and fair

By Staff Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN cabinet minister Sithembiso Nyoni was in the Seychelles Tuesday as a special envoy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The visit was part of Mnangagwa’s briefings to the region ahead of crunch general elections scheduled for August 23 in which the Zanu PF leader faces another tough challenge from main opposition rival Nelson Chamisa who heads the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party.

Nyoni met Seychelles foreign and tourism minister Sylvestre Radegonde, and briefed him on preparations for the upcoming elections.

“We are convinced that Zimbabwe is committed to upholding and promoting the necessary conditions to allow a fair and free electoral process,” said Radegonde after their meeting.

He added “As a member of the AU, SADC and COMESA, we hope that this election is a peaceful one which is crucial for the economic growth and stability of Zimbabwe and the region. A peaceful election will also set examples for other African countries and promote peace and stability for the Africa we want.”

Nyoni also briefed Radegonde on the various achievements of the Harare government since the last elections in 2018 and “reassured Minister Radegonde of the measures in place to ensure that the course of the election is fair and just”.

The two sides also discussed the possibilities of enhancing the bilateral cooperation that exists between the two countries.