ZIMBABWE, I humbly place myself at your service, and in your hands - Simba Makoni           

AP PHOTO/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi

STATEMENT BY SIMBA MAKONI

Since the Extra-Ordinary Congress of ZANU (PF) concluded its deliberations in December 2007, there has been much publicity in the media, and a lot of discussion among citizens, over my position in the forthcoming Parliamentary and Presidential elections.

First, let me confirm that I share the agony and anguish of all citizens, over the extreme hardships that we have all endured for nearly ten years now.  I also share the widely held view that these hardships are a result of national leadership, and that change at that level is a pre-requisite for change at other levels of national endeavour.

Further, I shared the wish, the hope and expectations of the overwhelming majority of ZANU (PF) members, and the nation at large, that the Extra-Ordinary Party Congress of December 2007, would usher in such change of leadership.  Needless to say, I share the disappointment that followed the failure of the Congress, in that regard.

Therefore, following very extensive and intensive consultations with party members and activists countrywide, and also with others outside the Party, I have accepted the call, and hereby advise the people of Zimbabwe that I offer myself as candidate for the office of President of Zimbabwe; in the forthcoming elections.

Let me affirm here, my faith in, and loyalty to the Party.  I would very much have wished to stand as its official candidate.  Unfortunately, as we all know, that opportunity was denied to any other cadre who would have offered themselves to serve the Party and country.  Let me also affirm here, my deeper faith in, and higher loyalty to the whole nation of Zimbabwe, which deeper faith and loyalty have moved to offer myself to this once great country, and still great people.

I also take this opportunity to urge all citizens who are eligible to vote, to PLEASE REGISTER YOURSELVES as voters, and for those who have already registered, to PLEASE VERIFY that you are on the correct voters’ roll.

ZIMBABWE, I HUMBLY PLACE MYSELF AT YOUR SERVICE, AND IN YOUR HANDS

Simba Makoni

HARARE, 5^th FEBRUARY 2008

Discussion: Can Simba Makoni make it in 7 weeks against Mugabe?