Losing presidential candidates in last year’s elections who are taking part in the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) said that dialogue is imperative to tackle the various challenges affecting the country.
The POLAD principals are holding a two-day validation workshop for POLAD’s strategic planning document in Mutare. ZBC News quotes some of the interlocutors as saying:
We believe dialogue is more important for Zimbabweans to engage. A lot of progress has been registered as there is a need for patience to turn around the process.
We are developing a clear work plan to tackle issues affecting the economy.
There is a need for all political parties to be part of the initiative as it is clear that demonstrations and violence will not solve the challenges facing the country.
It’s time for the MDC to swallow its pride and respect the people by engaging in dialogue than to cause more confusion through demonstrations.
Among eminent political leaders to eschew POLAD is MDC president Nelson Chamisa and former Vice President Joyce Mujuru.