adminSenior Reporter
THE three candidates contesting the Headlands by-election have so far shown commendable signs of political maturity by condemning acts of violence and are appealing for peace.A survey by The Manica Post in Headlands, a constituency previously dubbed the political hotbed of Makoni given the overbearing attitude towards the people by its immediate past legislator Mr Didymus Mutasa, has not established any incident of violence.
Tranquillity has continued to prevail despite full-throttle campaigns by the trio of Cde Christopher Chingosho (Zanu-PF), Mr Albert Mukaratirwa (Independent) and Mr David Mukunda of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA).
The candidates have made separate campaign statements condemning violence between rival supporters.
“Let me make it very clear: violence as a form of political expression will not be tolerated. I don’t care if you do it in the name of the Zanu-PF, NCA or Independent, or anyone else. If you attack someone, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Cde Chingosho, of Zanu-PF.
Cde Chingosho said with the by-election just four weeks away, it was vital for voters in Headlands to appreciate that an election is only free as long as everyone values each other’s right to political expression in a peaceful manner.
“What I want is that our constituency goes through this election period without violence,” said Cde Chingosho.
NCA candidate, Mr Mukunda, said violence had no winners, but only a threat to peace and stability of the constituency. He said as candidates they must firmly and loudly condemn acts of political intolerance as it often leads to loss of innocent lives and the destruction of property apart from reversing the gains of democracy that Zimbabwe had achieved in the last 35 years of independence.
“We condemn the vice because it is a threat to a free and fair election,” said Mr Mukunda.
Mr Mukunda said youths should refuse to be used as tools of violence by politicians, cautioning that if the spate of violence was going to be unleashed, there was a danger that the orphaned constituency would be thrown into chaos before and after the by-election.
“I want to say so far so good because all the candidates have been responsible, restraining their supporters from violence. If the spirit continues right up to the end of the election, then as candidates we should shake hands, hug and congratulate the winner,” said Mr Mukunda.
Mr Mukaratirwa said Headlands was under spotlight and violence would dent the election result.
“Headlands is part of the democratic Zimbabwe and people in this constituency should be free to join or vote for any party of their choice and candidates or parties are equally free to campaign anywhere as long as they do not engage in violence.
“My short experience is that we have mature candidates who value the essence of democracy. There is peace in Headlands, nobody is disturbing anyone. Every candidate is busy with their own thing and it is commendable.
“We are setting a good precedent. Why break bones when we are one people? Youths should reject violence. They should refuse to be used as proponents and tools of violence during this pre-election period,” said Mr Mukaratirwa.
Online Reporter