adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
Political parties should not engage in violence when canvassing for support, but must campaign peacefully as it is “healthy and Godly” to compete for political office, a senior Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe official, has said. Speaking to The Herald after an interdenominational peace prayer meeting held at Mamutse Stadium in Masvingo recently, ACCZ national executive member Archbishop Eleck Mabhena said the Bible allowed political competition.
He urged political parties to refrain from violence ahead of harmonised elections set for July 30.
“God has allowed people to campaign for leadership positions without being violent,” said Archbishop Mabhena.
He urged churches to strengthen the gospel of peace to their members as the nation headed for a crucial moment that will shape its political destiny for the next five years.
“God is the one who has introduced competition for those who wish to assume positions of authority,” said Archbishop Mabhena. “The Bible in Proverbs 11 verse 28 is very clear on this.’’
Archbishop Mabhena said political players were supposed to be mindful that they were all Zimbabweans despite belonging to different political parties.
“Members of various political parties should appreciate that they are all Zimbabweans first, hence they were part of one family despite the political differences,” he said.
“The voice of the people is the voice of God, as President Mnangagwa always says and we should be guided by that.
“I urge all churches to strengthen the gospel of peace, as they have an obligation to pray for the nation, especially in crucial times like this. Citizens will have an opportunity to give a five-year mandate to a leader of their choice under a peaceful environment.”
Archbishop Mabhena said indigenous churches in the country had endorsed President Mnangagwa’s candidature and his party, Zanu-PF, and were foreseeing his victory in the coming elections.
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