Full text: All Zimbabweans must first put the national interest

Alumni delegation jeopardizes former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson, former Irish President and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Lakhdar Brahimi, former Algerian Minister for Human Rights Foreign Affairs. in Zimbabwe Saturday. At the end of the visit, the elders issued the following statement:

Kofi Annan, President of the Elders, Kofi Annan Foundation and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, said:

"The next elections are more important. Zimbabwe since independence. The country faces serious challenges that will persist regardless of the winner; it is essential that everyone act responsibly before, during and after the elections to ensure a violence-free Zimbabwe, where human rights are respected and prosperity restored.

Seniors worry about the polarization of society before the elections and the rise of hate speech against women candidates and officials, especially on social media. They urged presidential candidates to show the example, to refrain from personal insults and to promote civil discourse in political and public life

They stressed that all parties stakeholders are responsible for ensuring a free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process. respect the integrity of the ZEC.

They were pleased to see signs of progress from the last multi-stakeholder Liaison Committee (MPLC) meeting on ballot papers, the Voters' Table and the organization of polling stations. The ZEC will be able to confirm these developments at the next MPLC meeting and take any other necessary steps to build confidence before the election.

Mary Robinson, former Irish President and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights:

"Zimbabwe is fortunate to have talented, eloquent and pbadionate people. impressed by the engagement of civil society groups to build a better future for their country.The authorities and security services must continue to allow freedom of expression regardless of the outcome of elections and not return to past tactics of violence and intimidation. "

Lakhdar Brahimi, Former Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Liberation Veteran.] " Elections are only one step on the road. path of national renewal. Candidates must consider themselves rivals, not enemies. The people of Zimbabwe can not afford more years of infighting, division and corruption; we are with them in their call for a better future. "