|
Back to Index
This article participates on the following special index pages:
2008 harmonised elections - Index of articles
Post-election violence 2008 - Index of articles & images
Solidarity
in Zimbabwe presidential run-off
Botswana Council
of Churches
June 20, 2008
The people of
Zimbabwe go to the polls on June 27 to vote in a presidential run-off
between President Robert Mugabe of ZANU-PF and leader of MDC, Mr.
Morgan Tsvangirai. The whole nation of Zimbabwe is at a crossroads
as it prepares for what is arguably its most decisive plebiscite
since independence. For close to a decade, the international community
has stood by and watched Zimbabwe descend into an abyss of chaos,
hunger, and political repression. The suffering of the people of
Zimbabwe is a mark of disgrace on our collective conscience, for
we failed to heed one of the most important teachings of all religions
that, indeed, we are our brother's keeper.
The people of Zimbabwe
go to the polls in a climate of unacceptable political violence
that is marked by intimidation, wanton detentions of MDC activists,
and other forms of harassment of the opposition by both the State
apparatus and the youth militia. This is accompanied by inflammatory
rhetoric and propaganda that borders on treason by President Mugabe
and senior members of ZANU-PF. The opposition is also denied access
to the national State-funded media. This may be construed as a deliberate
and well-calculated ploy to tilt the scales in favour of President
Mugabe, which is in stark contrast to the values and principles
of SADC.
The world has to take
serious note of statements from President Mugabe, the First Lady,
as well as other senior officials of the ZANU-PF party that they
will not accept any other outcome, except victory for ZANU-PF's
candidate. This is ominous, and it pollutes the requisite environment
that would ensure free and fair elections. Such statements could
make people doubt the wisdom of partaking in an election whose outcome
will not be respected, anyway.
Elsewhere in the region,
it has been suggested that since the climate in Zimbabwe cannot
allow a free and fair election, the run-off should be called off,
and that a Government of National Unity be negotiated between ZANU-PF
and MDC. While it is true that the political climate is not conducive
for a free and fair election, to call off the run-off would be further
betrayal of the long suffering people of Zimbabwe.
Let the people of Zimbabwe
decide who should be their leader, as it happens all over the civilised
world. Their choice must be respected for the voice of the people
is sacrosanct.
At this difficult time
in their history, we call upon the people of Zimbabwe to stand together
and take their destiny in their own hands and boldly face the future.
We encourage all citizens of Zimbabwe, including those who have
fled to neighbouring countries, to go back home and vote.
The international community
should stand up to ensure that this election is not stolen, and
that the will of the people is respected. The Government of Zimbabwe
must, without let or hindrance, allow access for all international
observers who are interested in observing this election, and not
only those who are deemed to be ZANU-PF's friends.
As the Church, given
the human suffering of the people of Zimbabwe we are witnesses to
in Botswana and other neighbouring countries, we commend Zimbabwe
and its people as the coming election to the keep and care of the
Omnipotent God. Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of
Zimbabwe at this trying time.
Peace and blessings from
the Almighty, from whom all blessings flow.
Rev. Mpho Moruakgomo
President
Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.
TOP
|
