Parties indaba, code of conduct laudable

of their executives to find ways of stemming the sporadic acts of violence that have been erupting in different parts of the country.
It was high time that the leaders convened at a high-level to send a clear message to the grassroots that it is possible to find a happy way of differing.
It was quite ironic that while the leaders met and interacted cerebrally in various forums, the supporters were busy bashing each other.

The blame for the violence therefore lay squarely withthe leadership, particularly as it is said a fish rots from the head down. But now that the head has rejected rot, we hope the party structures will do the same.
We, however, would have liked to see even the leaders of the fringe parties like Mavambo, African National Party, Zapu FP etc invited as well, if not as participants, then as observers. All parties should also carry the message of peaceful co-existence to their supporters, no matter how insignificant the support base.

Be that as it may, the Indaba held last week was a crucial starting point. We will hold the leaders to their promise to cascade such meetings down to the cell of ward levels true to the spirit of thinking nationally but acting locally.

At the inception of the inclusive Government, Home Affairs co-ministers, Kembo Mohadi and Giles Mutsekwa set an excellent example by appearing at functions together and holding press conferences side by side in a clear show of unity of purpose.
Theirs was an example that supporters of the parties to the inclusive Government should have emulated. What unites us is stronger than any perceived divisions or differences we may have.

We are inspired by the leadership’s acceptance of blame for as the leadership they easily relate, and spend a lot of time together but when some address party supporters, they change tune and give supporters bad messages.

Messages that, no doubt, push some to violence against rival party members.
To this end, we hope the leadership stands put on notice, they have the responsibility of reining in the supporters and explaining to them the nature and expectations of the inclusive Government.
The inclusive Government was put in place to foster an environment of political and socio-economic stability in readiness for elections. The past three years would have gone in vain if party supporters continue bashing each other in the run-up to elections likely to be held in the first quarter of next year.

We hail the leaders even more for coming up with a code of conduct to bind all political parties.
As we report elsewhere in this issue, political parties fomenting violence will be held accountable following the drafting of a Code of Conduct by the Organ on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration. The Code of Conduct compels political parties to publicly campaign against political violence. It will establish a National Peace and Reconciliation Council to resolve political disputes.

We hope the rogue elements and their sponsors stand put on notice.
The senseless attacks of the past few weeks have led to the destruction of property worth thousands of dollars and loss of livelihoods. We urge all progressive Zimbabweans to maintain the spirit of tolerance and maturity shown by the leadership, put shoulders to the wheel to move the inclusive Government forward.

We are aware that there are many, particularly in the West who are not amused by the prevailing peace. They badly need violence to justify claims that the inclusive Government will abort or to trash the forthcoming elections should the outcome go against their expectations.

This barbaric behaviour should stop forthwith.
The one trait that separates man from other primates in the animal kingdom is possession of speech and the ability to solve differences through dialogue.

Let’s use our brains not brawn in political discourse.