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Call for peaceful elections commendable
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights)
June 29, 2012

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association commends positive calls for an election free of violence by the two institutions very critical to the process - Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the police.

Leading personnel of the respective institutions are quoted in today's NewsDay speaking on the need for peaceful elections as two different platforms. ZEC chairman Retired Justice Simpson Mutambanengwe was quoted saying that there will be no room for violence in forthcoming elections. He was speaking at a Churches and Civil Society Forum bi-annual leadership conference held in Bulawayo. He is further quoted calling for the re-education of war veterans to support transfer of power that is free from violence.

On the other hand Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri yesterday is said to have vowed to silence all critics of his institution through stamping out of any violence in the forthcoming election. Speaking at a pass out parade at Morris Depot, he added that the forthcoming referendum and election is a good opportunity for the police force to demonstrate their ability to protect the people from any form of violence. "To this end, I am quite certain that Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the people of Zimbabwe are, once again, going to seize this opportunity to prove these prophets of doom wrong by ensuring a tranquil and peaceful environment before, during and after the aforementioned processes." He was quoted saying

Meanwhile, the Parliament last week adopted a motion on the need for a mechanism for peaceful transition of power in the post-election period.

Zimbabwe must emulate the peaceful transition that took place in Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho and Senegal recently. Such complementary words will go a long way, if put into action to deliver the people of Zimbabwe to a nation of peace.

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