Call for peace during polls

CHRISTIANS from different denominations last Friday converged in the Africa Unity Square in Harare to launch a peace campaign for the harmonised elections slated for July this year.

Zimbabwe Divine Destiny (ZDD) executive director Mr Ancelimo Magaya said violence should not be tolerated.

“We have just entered election season and most Zimbabweans love this period because they get to choose a new leader to form a new Government, but sadly for Zimbabwe, it had been a time of bickering, hate speech, intimidation and even killings and burning of houses,” he said.

“Zimbabwe has had its fair share of war and hate; we all know that period ended 1980. Let me hasten to say Zimbabwe is not a war zone and therefore it is a time of building and consolidating the gains of our independence.

“It is also a time to speak about love and peace. Violence should be a thing of the past, there is no need for people to hate, kill or even coerce anybody to vote for any party.

“We want election period to be a time of joy and celebration where we chose credible leaders who fulfil their promises, despise violence, uphold the constitution and rule of law.

“Above all, we need leaders who fear the Lord and honour God by loving their fellow countrymen regardless of political affiliation.”

Mr Magaya urged President Mnangagwa not only to speak about free and fair election, but to act on those contravening the Electoral Act and Sadc principles and guidelines for conducting democratic elections.

During the event, people were holding banners which read “Politics is not greater than God, stop threatening the church”, “Anyone who orders violence should never be a leader”, and “The church shall never be silenced by earthy rules”. — Herald Reporter.