Job Sikhala Warns Zanu PF Against Electoral Interference in Southern Africa
Job Sikhala, a former legislator and current chairman of the NDWG, has warned that Zanu PF’s interference in international elections, specifically in Botswana and Mozambique, could harm Zimbabweans living abroad. Asserting that such actions threaten regional stability and the credibility of electoral processes, Sikhala condemns Zanu PF for creating animosity towards Zimbabweans in the region.
Job Sikhala, a prominent opposition figure and former legislator from Zengeza West and St Mary’s, has cautioned the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) against its interference in the electoral processes of neighboring countries, particularly Botswana’s. Speaking in light of a recent rally led by former Botswana president Ian Khama, Sikhala accused Zanu PF of deploying agents to manipulate the upcoming elections scheduled for October 30, 2024, where current President Mokgweetsi Masisi seeks reelection. Sikhala, who currently chairs the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), claims that Zanu PF, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has previously meddled in Mozambique’s elections and the recent polls in South Africa. He emphasized that such interference places Zimbabweans at risk of backlash in the region, stating, “As Zimbabweans, we are being risked being hated everywhere in the region because of a stinking party that loves to interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries.” Further emphasizing the repercussions of Zanu PF’s actions, he referred to the party as a “cancer” that is jeopardizing the integrity of regional governance across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Sikhala condemned the involvement of Zanu PF supporters in Mozambique’s elections, where their voting raised concerns over electoral legitimacy favoring the ruling Frelimo party, with allegations of orchestrated fraud. Sikhala remarked, “This political party has become a danger to all SADC countries.” He expressed his intent to expose Zanu PF’s alleged attempts to influence upcoming elections in both Botswana and Zambia, specifically mentioning their efforts to support former Zambian president Edgar Lungu, despite the latter’s previous ousting.
The article addresses concerns regarding Zanu PF’s interference in electoral processes within Southern African countries. Job Sikhala, a vocal critic of Zanu PF, highlights the potential risks brought to Zimbabweans abroad due to their party’s actions in the democratic transitions of neighboring nations. The political climate within the SADC region has been troubled by allegations of electoral manipulation, and Sikhala’s comments reflect a growing anxiety among opposition voices about the broader implications for regional stability and Zimbabwe’s reputation on the international stage.
In summary, Job Sikhala has raised critical concerns about the Zanu PF party’s interference in external elections, warning that such actions could lead to negative sentiments towards Zimbabweans living abroad. He asserts that Zanu PF’s activities not only threaten the integrity of electoral processes in neighboring countries but also endanger Zimbabweans’ standing in the region, urging the ruling party to refrain from meddling in domestic affairs of other nations to avoid further regional discord.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
