Zimbabwean president says country to hold credible 2018 polls

HARARE, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa reiterated Wednesday that his government will do all it can to ensure next year's harmonized elections are credible, free and fair.

In his inaugural state of the nation address to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate since becoming President of Zimbabwe on Nov. 24, Mnangagwa voiced his government's commitment to building a democratic, united Zimbabwe.

"My government is committed to entrenching a democratic society driven by respect for the country's constitution, rule of law, mutual tolerance, peace and unity," the president said.

He also reiterated that his government will have a zero tolerance to corruption in order to grow the struggling economy.

According to the president, corruption was the major source of some of the economic challenges bedeviling the nation.

"Economic growth requires a clean government, a clean private sector. The goal of my government is to build a new Zimbabwe based on values of transparency, accountability and hard work," he said as he expressed optimism about next year's growth prospects driven by anticipated strong growth in agriculture and mining.

He commended artisanal gold miners for high production but warned criminal syndicates against smuggling of the precious mineral.

The government would therefore tighten border controls to curb the practice while those caught would face the full wrath of the law, the president warned.

Gold is Zimbabwe's largest mineral export earner.

The president also called for expeditious establishment of the national productivity institute to promote industry competitiveness and boost employment creation.

With his government working under a 100-day program target, Mnangagwa promised swift and vast changes in service delivery in the health, housing and other public sectors.

He said his government will unveil an ambitious parastatal reform program in the first quarter of 2018 while local authorities should transform into engines of economic growth.

The government recognized the need for an export-centered economic strategy to sustain high growth and would continue to support beneficiation and value addition of the country's exports, he said.

He appealed to the business community to exercise restraint and avoid wanton price increases of basic goods and services that have been witnessed in the country in recent days.

The government, he said, will review and harmonize investment laws and policies to boost the drive for foreign direct investment in the country.

Mnangagwa succeeded former president Robert Mugabe who resigned on Nov. 21 after military and public pressure, ending his 37 year reign. Enditem