adminAuxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
CHURCHES are pushing for the banning of political party slogans that promote hate speech as well as the signing of a peace pledge by all political parties before the forthcoming elections.
The churches came up with their own indicators for a credible, free, fair, and peaceful elections that include at least 60 percent voter turnout and invitation of foreign observers and monitors.
In a statement, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) said it met as heads of denominations, inspired by the continued public utterances by President Emmerson Mnangagwa indicating his commitment towards delivering a credible election.
“As the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), having met with Heads of Denominations on the 21st of March 2018 in Harare, noting the Sadc Guidelines Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, as part of our #prayregistervote campaign, hereby present our indicators for a credible, free, fair and peaceful election as follows;
“Political parties signing and adhering to a Peace Pledge. Slogans that promotes hate and hurt being banned. Citizens freely supporting political parties and candidates of their choice without harassment, threat or intimidation,” reads the statement.
The church leaders said they wanted the elections to be held under a new Electoral Law that is consistent with the Constitution.
They said timelines for critical processes must be publicly shared and adhered to and the voters roll must be publicly availed for inspection and use by any interested party timeously.
The church leaders also said all political parties and candidates must have access to State media to communicate their manifestos and make public appeals.
They said all public servants must be impartial.
“The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission being adequately resourced by the State. Having credible local, regional and international election monitors and observers,” reads their statement.
“Traditional, religious leaders and security services not publicly demonstrating partisanship. Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Gender Commission, National Peace and Reconciliation Commission playing their constitutional roles to support elections.”
They urged police to arrest all perpetrators of violence without fear or favour. “At least 60 percent voter turnout, election results posted at each polling station and announce winners within five days as provided by the law and uncontested result owing to flawed process.
“We implore the guidance of the Almighty as the nation prepares for a free, fair and credible 2018 election. As the Church, walking in the journey of rebuilding hope, confidence and stability towards the Zimbabwe We Want, will continue to PrayRegisterVote,” read the statement.
The clarion call by the churches for electoral reforms come as Parliament is already in the process of amending the Electoral Act.
President Mnangagwa has since his inauguration declared that the forthcoming elections will be free, fair and credible and has invited international observers and monitors.
@AuxiliaK
Online Reporter