Milllions of Zimbabweans cast their votes on August 23 to determine their future in an election that has largely been peaceful, The Herald reports. Political parties from across the divide expressed their preparedness for the polls, with all of them confident of coming out victorious. ALSO READ: Zimbabwe Decides: Five things you should know ahead of elections The country’s citizenry also expressed their preparedness to go and cast their votes. The ruling Zanu PF’s presidential candidate and incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa said only Zanu PF could continue taking Zimbabwe forward and meeting the people’s aspirations. President Mnangagwa said Zanu PF was a tried and tested party hence the general citizenry continued to express confidence in its democratic and people-centred rule. “I am going for my second term, it’s my last term. I believe that those in my party Zanu PF, that the building of our land depends on us, the modernisation of our country depends on us, people from outside can only come to support our programmes,” said the President in an interview with Zimpapers Television Network and ZBC on Monday. “Our vote is actually about choosing a party that the people believe has the capacity to provide for their needs. In the past elections were done in order to satisfy Western countries. That is stupid, we have elections in order to have the best party whose programmes address the needs of the people.” UANC’s presidential aspirant, Gwinyai Muzorewa, said he was ready for the polls today and was confident of coming out victorious. “I did not join this race as a chancer, but I joined to win and make a difference in this country. “I paid my US$20 000 fee so that I get the maximum votes and I am confident I will come out victorious. I have been sponsoring the UANC myself,” he said. The only female candidate in the Presidential race, Elisabeth Valerio, said her chances of winning were high and once she is elected into power she would champion the issue of inclusivity. “I am offering the citizens of Zimbabwe a vision that is inclusive, progressive and sustainable for our country. Some of the key priorities that we will focus on are: Restoring the rule of law, the separation of powers and constitutionalism; reviving the economy and creating jobs; we want to create a good life for every Zimbabwean; we will fight corruption; we will have an accountable government that improves public service delivery and restores social protection systems.” Lead opposition figure Nelson Chamisa of CCC said he fancied his chances of winning the country’s top post. “Our time has come, this is the time,” he said. ZCPD’s presidential hopeful Trust Chikohora said he was confident of winning and forming a government of national unity once voted into power. “We believe because of our value proposition and the background of the candidate, we have the best chance at this point in time to win the election. “We should make Zimbabwe work. That is why I have taken it upon myself to lead this process of the economic revival of this country, starting with this candidature, creating this vehicle that we call ZCPD,” he said. The Democratic Official Party’s Harry Peter Wilson said he was confident of victory. “As your Presidential candidate, I believe my chances of winning are high. The confidence I carry comes from my unwavering dedication to my party Democratic Official Party, my country Zimbabwe, and the principles that guide my political journey. “I understand the weight of my ancestors’ legacies and the responsibility that comes with such a profound impact on the world,” he said. The other Presidential candidates were not readily reachable for submissions by the time of going to print. Meanwhile, Zimbabweans said they were geared to go and cast their votes while expressing their excitement as this had been a rather peaceful election period compared to the ones before.
![A woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Mbare, Harare [John Wessels - AFP]](https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2023/08/23/thumbs/1200x700/27470.jpg "A woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Mbare, Harare [John Wessels - AFP]")