Civil society urged to complement Govt on peace
THE civil society has been urged to compliment Government efforts in promoting peace and tranquillity before, during and after the harmonised elections.
Speaking at the Midlands Policy Dialogue on Civil Society Organisations electoral preparedness workshop in Gweru, chairperson of the Local Governance Studies Department at Midlands State University (MSU), Dr Vincent Chakwanda said the civil society should play an important role of creating peaceful dialogue.
“As civil society, you have a critical role to play and that is strengthening our people’s ability to participate in democracy. You do so through promoting dialogue, tolerance and respect. You must compliment Government’s efforts in promoting peace and tranquillity before, during and after the elections through dialogues amongst citizens and political parties,” he said.
Dr Chakwanda said it was high time that civil society shift its societal stereotypes of being labelled as regime change agents but enable developmental conversations among citizens.
“It is your role to bridge the gap between the people and their leaders,” he said.
Dr Chakwanda said civil society should take a leading role in raising awareness among the citizens on expectations that their local leaders should deliver.
“We will soon be selecting people to lead us as councillors and Members of Parliament. What are your development aspirations for Mkoba for example? Your role in this regard is to educate the masses to vote for development so that they can carefully select candidates who are pro - development”.
Dr Chakwanda said the new dispensation had embraced the civil society as a development partner hence they should also complement government efforts.
“The President has already embraced you as players in the democratic processes as evidenced by ratifying the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance during his visit to Rwanda this year. He has even pledged to domesticate and implement its provisions ahead of the harmonised elections to be held soon,” he said.
Dr Chakwanda reiterated that building the nation was everyone’s responsibility.
“It is about nation building and re-branding our country so we should all participate and develop Zimbabwe.”