adminConrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
Youth leaders from 10 political parties in Mashonaland West this week signed an elections peace pledge in Karoi.
Representatives who signed the pledge were drawn from Zanu PF, CCC, MDC, DOP, UZA, NCA, NPC, ZCPD, FreeZim and ZIPP.
In signing the pact, the youths agreed to maintain peace during the electoral period which so far gone without major incidents of disturbances.
The meeting, organised by non-governmental organisation 4-H Zimbabwe aimed at avoiding violence and bloodshed during polls with all political parties singing the same hymn of combating violence.
Representatives of the parties called for tolerance as one of the factors that will foster peace.
Zanu PF provincial youth chairman, Cde Tapiwa Masenda said: “I am here to reiterate the message by our President and First Secretary Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa who preaches peace and tolerance.
“I implore all Zimbabwean youths to engage one another amicably and to find peace.”
CCC provincial youth member, Mr Muzondiwa Sawanje also called for peace to prevail.
“We are sons and daughters of one person. We need peace to prosper economically while we might differ politically, it mustn’t break us. We are glad that we are having these platforms where we are sharing and communicating,” he said.
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) provincial coordinator, Ms Auxilia Kalavina lauded the peace existing currently, saying the pledges by the youths at the meeting were genuine.
The event was also graced by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC)’s Donald Chirunga who commended the youths for their pledges.
The peace pledge drive has seen 4-H Zimbabwe conduct a series of signing ceremonies in Midlands, Masvingo, and Matebeleland South after the national peace pledge ceremony in Harare.
4-H Zimbabwe director, Mr Jonh Muchenje implored the youths to desist from political violence and announcing unverified poll results.
“Wait for Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to announce election results. Don’t influence your followers to break the laws.
“In terms of disputes, follow the laid down procedures. We have impartial courts. There is no need to engage in violent attacks to influence poll results,” he said.
Representing traditional leaders, Chief Dendera from Hurungwe district, said the onus was also on them to preach the word of peace to their subjects while police Inspector McDonald Paradza gave an assurance that there would be maximum security.
The youths pledged to condemn hate speech, accept the polls outcome and to challenge the results if there was need, through due processes of the law and in a peaceful manner.
Online Reporter