Church leaders applaud change in political landscape

CHURCH leaders have applauded notable change in the country’s political landscape since November 2017, stating that prevailing peace has “lit a spark of hope among many Zimbabweans”.

Speaking at a press conference addressed by Silveira House, a catholic run organisation that focuses on peace-building and leadership training in partnership with other churches, in Harare yesterday, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference secretary general Father Fredrick Chiromba praised the political space that has allowed people to express their opinions freely than before.

“The political space has opened up, allowing people to express their opinions than before. As we move closer towards the July 30 harmonised elections, it is heartening to note that there is relative tranquillity which points to the presence of political tolerance among political players.

“It is a refreshing atmosphere in that respect and one that needs to be preserved so that the spark of hope in many grows into a flame that impels all of the country’s citizens to work towards long lasting genuine peace and development,” said Father

Father Chiromba said Silveira House was organising a multi-party interface tomorrow which is aimed at promoting peace and laying a firm foundation for meaningful development in the country. “Silveira House is organising a multi-party interface, where each of the presidential candidates in the 2018 election will get a chance to address an audience of about 300 people drawn from different political parties and churches.

‘‘The presence of the presidential candidate in a single space with each of them addressing the same audience will be of actual symbolic significance. Ground rules will ensure that all is done in spirit of respect and not of combat,” he said.

He further said the presence of the presidential candidates next to each other will serve to remind citizens of the value of a peaceful coexistence irrespective of political affiliation. Presidential candidates will be able to share their manifestos with the audience as well as commit to a peaceful electoral process. He also said majority of the presidential candidates have confirmed their participation at the event. The interface will take place at Aruppe Jesuit University in Mount Pleasant, Harare.