HARARE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwean government has resolved to provide security to all candidates in the July 30 general elections should they feel that their lives are in danger.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga on Sunday told a campaign rally in Chitungwiza, south of Harare, that the bomb blast that occurred on Saturday as President Emmerson Mnangagwa left the podium after a campaign rally in Bulawayo was an act of terrorism.
The state media Herald newspaper reported Monday that Chiwenga said that the act would not stop the country from holding elections on the proclaimed date.
At least 49 people were injured in the explosion at White City Stadium amid indications that a device was thrust towards Mnangagwa as he left the podium.
Among the injured were Vice President Kembo Mohadi, cabinet minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Chiwenga's wife Marry, the ruling Zanu-PF Women's League secretary Mabel Chinomona and national political commissar Engelbert Rugeje.
Mnangagwa escaped unhurt and was evacuated to the Bulawayo State House.
Police said they had launched investigations and appealed to people with information to come forward, saying a reward would be given.
"That act of terrorism which happened in Bulawayo is nothing. It does not deter us. But if the colleagues running for harmonized elections on the 30th of July are afraid and scared, they will be given security," Chiwenga said.
He emphasized that nothing would stop the elections: "Zimbabwe is going for a new trajectory, a Zimbabwe we want, a Zimbabwe which the people of Zimbabwe want. The harmonized elections, come 30th of July, will go ahead."
A record 23 candidates are vying for the prpsidency while hundreds more are eyeing legislative and local government seats.
