Churches body prays for ZEC

THE Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to take every step necessary to ensure that the forthcoming campaign and election period is both peaceful and democratic.

Speaking on behalf of ZCC at the launch of the Manicaland Ecumenical Election Covenant, coordinator of the event, Reverend Cannon Abel Joseph Waziweyi, urged the elections management body to effectively manage the electoral process.

“To ZEC, we pray for you to be independent, non-partisan, professional and devoted to your constitutional mandate to enhance participation by all stakeholders as people are more likely to participate if they have trust and confidence in you,” he said.

It was critical, said Rev Waziweyi, to take measures to build the confidence of the electorate.

“We expect you to announce election results not more than 72 hours after elections have ended, ensure that all political parties are represented at all polling stations and to advertise all polling stations in advance so that people know where they will be voting,” he said.

In addition, ZCC implored the media to professionally discharge their duties.

“We acknowledge that the media is a very influential stakeholder and we are appealing to them to report fairly without fear, favour or prejudice,” he said.

Rev Waziweyi said the media needed to create a platform for non-censored public dialogue and debates that helped the public to make informed decisions about their voting preferences.

“The media needs to make sure that voters have adequate information about candidates, policies and political parties and the election process itself so that they make informed choices,” he said.

“This level of transparency enhances democratic processes during the campaign and election period.

“The media, by disseminating information to members of the public, helps to create informed individuals who are able to participate in the democratic processes.”

ZCC challenged the Judiciary to establish special electoral courts to deal with those who broke the law during the election period.

“These courts will deal with issues such as punishing of political offenders who engage in violence and intimidating people,” he said.