justifying-election-deferment-for-national-healing-and-development _On the fast lane to 2030 by Maxwell Haitengeswinyika Teedzai_ *Advocacy for election deferment is aimed at prioritising National healing and economic stability in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe* | Fri Jan 31, 2025 In times of National fragility and economic turmoil, Leaders must sometimes make difficult decisions that prioritize healing and development over immediate democratic processes. The cases of Rwanda and Cambodia illustrate the potential benefits of deferring elections in favor of reconciliation and nation-building. After the harrowing aftermath of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda prioritized stability and unity, successfully transforming itself into a rapidly growing economy under a long-term vision. Similarly, Cambodia focused on rebuilding after decades of conflict, allowing for stability and development before resuming electoral politics. These examples showcase that in critical situations, taking time to foster socio-economic recovery can lead to a more robust and cohesive society. Critics of HE President Dr ED Mnangagwa's proposal to extend term limits in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe must recognize that he inherited a fragile economy and a deeply divided society from the late President Robert Gabriel Mugabe. The disruptions that plagued the economy necessitate a focused approach on industrialization and social cohesion; this cannot be achieved while juggling the demands of immediate elections. In many instances General elections in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe have had a devastating impact, leaving the country more polarized than united and scarred by ugly scenes of violence and hatred and legal wrangles, thereby stifling National unity, peace, and development. The significant financial resources spent on elections are often squandered, yielding only enmity and violence, which cause more harm than good. Furthermore, election funds have been misappropriated for personal gain, leading to corruption and weakening opposition parties, as some individuals enter politics not to genuinely represent the people, but to enrich themselves. Deferment of elections would grant the President the necessary time to concentrate on tackling pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and infrastructural deficits. The priority ought to be on implementing sustainable policies that could uplift millions of Zimbabweans from poverty and foster a culture of economic resilience. Just as Rwanda and Cambodia leveraged time for healing and growth, Zimbabwe too can harness this opportunity. Furthermore, extending the current term limits allows for a more cohesive and planned approach to governance, enabling the government to implement long-term strategies without the distraction of imminent electoral pressures. This stability is essential for attracting both local and foreign investment, critical to economic rejuvenation. Prioritizing national development over political timelines may be the first step toward a more stable and prosperous future for the Great Republic of Zimbabwe. #thegreatrepublicofzimbabwe #edmnangagwa #nationbuilding #healing #development #reconciliation *Disclaimer:* _MTBN reserves the journalistic privileges granted by the Government of the Great Republic of Zimbabwe through its regulatory body, the ZMC — Zimbabwe Media Commission, to inform the public without bias. The views expressed in our reports may not necessarily reflect the personal opinions of the writer._ *MTBN: Bridging Voices — Fostering Unity*