Addressing mourners during Mudenge’s burial, Mugabe said people should not be forced to vote for certain politicians, but should be left to follow their hearts.
“Elections are coming very soon and people must vote the way they want and those who don’t want to vote, let them throw their vote in the rivers,” Mugabe said.
“Let people vote for those they want at elections, recognizing that others are entitled to their own decisions and that is what we should do,” said the veteran Zanu PF leader to cheers and ululation from some mourners gathered at the national shrine.
Even as Mugabe delivered his speech, remarkably devoid of the usual vitriol against the west and political opponents, innocent Zimbabweans who had gone to bury Mudenge were uneasy as rowdy Zanu (PF) supporters jeered at MDC officials who attended the burial.
Analysts and civic organisations dismissed Mugabe’s pleas for peace as empty.
Machinda Marongwe from the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) described Mugabe's comments as "just political rhetoric," saying civic groups were concerned about lack of action in terms of policy reform and the continuation of violence countrywide.
Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since independence and his party has used violence, intimidation and harassment to hold on to power and in recent months, the ailing leader has been asking his supporters to refrain from violence.
Post published in: News