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Christian Alliance election message: Give peace a chance
Christian Alliance
March 27, 2008

As Zimbabweans go out to vote on 29 March 2008, the Christian Alliance wishes to reinforce the Easter message of the Risen Christ to his fear stricken disciples, and indeed to us all, that 'Peace be with you'. Throughout this journey to March 29 we have called upon all citizens of Zimbabwe to work for peace. We make the same call in the period after elections that all citizens and leaders act responsibly to make for that peace.

We are aware that the electoral road has been fraught with many potholes, but are encouraged by the resolve Zimbabweans have shown to participate in this plebiscite regardless of these potholes. Under the circumstances, there is no other way we, as Zimbabweans from all walks of life, would have expressed our desire for peace. We say to all responsible and peace loving Zimbabweans, go out and vote.

Voting on its own will not give us peace. Providing an environment conducive for people to vote, and accepting the will of the people as expressed in the vote, is what makes for peace. The responsibility for this lies with the State.
Sadly, some who hold positions of responsibility in the State have already acted irresponsibly by stating that they would not concede to the people's will if the people's vote is at variance with their preferred outcomes. Some politicians have also stated the same, giving the impression that only they and no one else can ever lead this country. The state controlled newspapers, particularly The Herald and The Chronicle have of late developed hard line partisan stances reinforcing this same message.

We wish to remind those in authority that the reason Zimbabweans resorted to violence against the settler regime was because those in authority at that time lacked the requisite qualities for the acceptance of a peaceful transition. These are the same sentiments now being expressed by President Robert Mugabe, service chiefs and some who occupy key positions in government.

We, therefore urge those in authority to give peace a chance and allow citizens to freely choose their leaders through the ballot box and respect their choice. We also urge the international election observers, especially those from the AU, SADC and PAP to play their role as protectors and defenders of the right of Zimbabweans to self determination. May the peace of the risen Christ be with Zimbabwe!

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