ZEC urged to be fair to all players

THE Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and media to be fair to all political parties during the campaigning and election period to promote a democratic and peaceful process.

Speaking on behalf of ZCC at the launch of the Manicaland Ecumenical Election Covenant Zimbabwe Council of Churches, coordinator Reverend Cannon Abel Joseph Waziweyi urged the elections body and the media to be non-partisan during the election processes and to fully and effectively manage all electoral processes in a transparent and democratic manner.

“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.

He said they expected ZEC to announce results expeditiously and to enhance fair representation at the polls.

“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.”

In addition, ZCC implored the media to give equitable coverage to all political parties and level the playing field for contenders and political parties by ensuring that they have equal access to State broadcasters and other State resources.

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

Reverend Waziweyi also called for the media to enhance inclusivity by creating a platform for non-censored public dialogue and debates that help the public to make informed decisions when voting.

“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.

“This level of transparency enhances democratic processes during the campaign and election period. By disseminating information to members of the public, the media helps to create informed individuals who are able to participate in the democratic processes,” he said.

ZCC challenged the courts of law to establish special electoral courts to deal with electoral matters like disciplinary issues expeditiously.

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