Andrew
Online Reporter
CHURCHES are urging political parties to promote peace and shun all forms of violence ahead of the forthcoming by-elections, which are slated for March 26.
In a statement on Thursday, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) said the promotion of peace by all stakeholders is of paramount importance.
“We understand that the by-elections are a necessary Constitutional process so as to ensure that the power of the electorate in choosing their parliamentary or local authority representatives remains with them.
“We are encouraged to see the citizens across the political divide making preparations to participate in this critical process,” read part of the statement.
ZHOCD said they were hopeful that the electoral process would be guided by the secrecy of the ballot and the principle of non-discrimination.
“We pray that the by-elections will be a reflection of the nation God has envisioned for us, one that is united in its diversity.
“We hope that this process and its outcomes will positively inform the broader election processes that are to happen in the 2023 harmonised elections.”
ZHOCD comprises the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC), Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and Union for Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe (UDACIZA).
Online Reporter