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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Leaders of various political parties contesting in the forthcoming harmonised elections converged in Beitbridge yesterday to deliberate on pre-election peace building strategies as the nation prepares for the 2023 plebiscite.
The politicians were brought together with other stakeholders from the security cluster by the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) as religious leaders are taking a proactive approach in promoting peaceful coexistence and a violence free election period.
So far no incidents of politically motivated violence have been recorded in Beitbridge.
The Second Republic has been promoting an inclusive approach in mobilising public participation in national programmes.
ZCA representative for Beitbridge, Pastor Busani Moyo said they had decided to be proactive as the church and promote the peace message as outlined by the Government.
He said the local peace committee has been running programmes since last year bringing together various stakeholders involved in the running of elections to preach a message of togetherness and hope.
“We are taking a proactive approach as members of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance in promoting peaceful co-existence and a violence free election period.
“It is against this background that we have decided to bring together leaders of different political parties to map the way forward on the role of ensuring there is peace throughout the elections period in our community,” said Pastor Moyo.
Zanu PF secretary for security in Beitbridge, Cde Nkululeko Milidi said as the ruling party, they were taking the lead in maintaining and observing peace within communities.
He said there was no compelling need for people to fight because of believing in different political ideologies.
Cde Milidi said under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, people were being allowed to campaign for positions under a very peaceful environment.
“You will note that our party principles are founded on unity, peace and development.
“So we need to unite the community to maintain peace so that as the Second Republic we can continue to implement developmental projects in line with the envisaged Vision 2030,” he said.
“At the same time, I want to commend our party supporters and the entire Beitbridge community for the peaceful co-existence we have witnessed so far.
In addition, we encourage those who will be voted in and voted out to accept the results gracefully.”
Mr Bhekhimpilo Mbedzi, who is a representative of the United Movement for Devolution (UMD) in Ward 1 under Beitbridge Municipality lauded the local law enforcement agencies and the community for continually engaging with the view of maintaining peace.
He said political parties have been going on with their campaign business without any hindrances.
“In whatever we do, the community of Beitbridge and Zimbabweans should be the winner. So we must bear in mind that elections are just a process to choose those who will lead us in various portfolios to enhance service delivery,” said Mr Mbedzi.
CCC convenor for Beitbridge, Mr Emmanuel Takutaku who is also vying for Ward 4 under Beitbridge Municipality said the electoral mood in the district was impressive.
He said since 2018, members of the community had embraced the culture of political diversity and urged his fellow party supporters to continue observing peace.
“We live in a very small town where we know each other. We should bear in mind that the election period is very short and we will still need each other after voting.
“Whoever wins will have the mandate to represent even those from a different political party. So I am urging people to avoid creating enmity over these democratic processes,” said Mr Takutaku.
Senior traditional leader, Chief Stauze, said political leaders should play a leading role in denouncing violence in the communities.
He said where there is disharmony, meaningful development is usually delayed.
“We are happy to see leaders of the different political parties uniting against violence.
“A peaceful environment is ideal for us to implement and monitor critical projects as the government,” said the District Development Coordinator, Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu-Moyo.
Police spokesperson for Beitbridge, Assistant Inspector Thabani Mkwananzi said so far, they had not recorded any cases of politically motivated violence and that the police will continue to engage all the actors in the electoral process in line with provisions of the law.
Online Reporter