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This article participates on the following special index pages:
Zimbabwe's Elections 2013 - Index of Articles
Statement
by Southern African religious leaders at the conclusion of a solidarity
visit to Zimbabwe
Fellowship of Christian Councils
in Southern Africa (FOCCISA)
July 16, 2013
In solidarity
with the churches and the people of Zimbabwe, we as religious leaders
from the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA)
have been in Zimbabwe from the 7th of July to the 10th of July on
a solidary
visit ahead of elections.
During the solidarity
visit our delegation of 12, which was in the country at the invitation
of the Zimbabwe
Council of Churches (ZCC) visited Chinhoyi, Bindura, Harare,
Masvingo, Mutare, Gweru, and Bulawayo. We met with Zimbabwean church
leaders, civic leaders and officials in government departments responsible
for the conduct of elections and we were able to convey the message
of unity. We were able to hear from them, the country’s state
of preparedness for the polls, assess and gain greater understanding
of the situation in the country. We had come to share, learn and
pray with Zimbabweans and offer support for them to find solutions
that will allow the country to arrive at reconciliation and rebuild
the nation.
We urge Zimbabweans
to set aside denominational and personal differences as the country
goes through what is potentially a divisive election period when
political tensions are heightened. We implore them not to engage
in utterances or actions that may threaten the rule of law, peace
and security. We would like to see a free and fair election which
is held according to the laws of the country, reflects the will
of the people of Zimbabwe and meets international standards for
democratic elections. We urge the church to speak out clearly on
all issues that relate to the conduct of free and fair elections
and the well being of the country.
Our observation
as the church informed by the recent visit is that there are difficulties
surrounding preparations for these elections, a view shared by the
leadership of the church in Zimbabwe. We therefore call on the entire
church in the sub-region, region and the world to pray for peace,
to be prophetic and exercise its pastoral responsibility and solidarity
with the people of Zimbabwe. We request the church throughout the
world to join the church in Zimbabwe on an Ecumenical Cathedral
on the 21st July 2013, to pray for the Elections and Peace in Zimbabwe.
Beloved of God, the God that we serve is a God of miracles and he
is able to create something good out of chaos.
Political
violence
There remain
justifiable concerns about the threat of violence and the resurgence
of political violence which has marred previous elections and which
could threaten national peace and security. Civic society players
and church leaders we met during the course of our visit spoke of
the need for political commitment to the political parties’
code of conduct which is aimed at minimizing political conflict
and eradicating intimidation. They also said there were grave concerns
in too many parts of the country about possible post-election retribution
as happened in 2008 when certain sections of the population suffered
for their choices. The unpredictability of what lies ahead has become
a great source of concern for many. We urge the police and other
security agents to stand aside and allow the vote to proceed without
intimidation. We the churches of Southern Africa do not want to
see a repeat of the political violence of 2008. We will continue
to advocate for the observance of the rule of law, the respect and
promotion of human rights.
Disenfranchisement
of voters
We received
with concern reports about delays in the registration process and
the challenges faced by so called “aliens” in obtaining
identity documents which would have allowed them to register to
vote. There is a mismatch between the situation on the ground and
the provisions of the new constitution in regard to these “aliens”.
The process of renouncing their citizenship of other countries and
trying to get new documentation was laborious and left many unable
to register. Many Zimbabweans in rural areas found the distances
they had to travel to registration centres long, while the registration
requirements were an additional burden to this section of the population.
More could have been done to inform the nation about the requirements
for voter registration. All these issues have disenfranchised thousands
of Zimbabweans and are likely compound voter apathy.
The
role of the church
We noted with
sadness that some political parties have divided the churches and
have attempted to manipulate them for political gain. We therefore
implore the church to remain united and not to be used to serve
narrow political interests. Religious leaders were in some places
being forced to attend political meetings. The churches have a critical
role to play in reducing tensions. We encourage the church through
its extended country-wide networks to use prayer meetings and civic
education to openly campaign for peace. The church should take up
the crucial role of intercession through mobilizing Zimbabweans
to pray for a peaceful election process.
Media
access
The churches
and civic groups we met also bemoaned the lack of equal access by
political parties to the media in particular the state owned media.
Sadly media coverage in much of the press was tainted with glaring
bias. All media is urged to refrain from using hate language and
to ensure fair and accurate reporting of the entire electoral process
from the campaigns to the tallying of votes.
Participation
of women, youth and Christians
Sadly it was
noted that there did not exist an enabling environment for the participation
in politics of youth, women and Christians and as a result they
remained at the periphery of politics. In some Christian quarters,
the reason for this is that politics is regarded as dirty. We are
also concerned about the distribution of beer at political meetings
and rallies especially among young people as this was viewed as
a way of buying youth votes.
The
role of observers
Concerns were
raised about the role of election observers who were too often quick
to declare elections free and fair. Observers should be cautious
in coming up with reports on the conduct of elections and are urged
to include the views of as broad a section of the population as
possible.
The members
of the ecumenical delegation wish to thank everyone they met for
their openness and, in particular, ZCC for welcoming and accompanying
the delegation round the country. By sharing their combined experience
the ecumenical team will hopefully strengthen the capacity of religious
communities and networks to observe the polls. They can share best
practice and contribute to the observance of standards demanded
by church for the holding of free elections. The church can bring
together various players to enrich responses to challenges faced
by Zimbabweans. We will continue to offer support in the seeking
of solutions that will allow Zimbabweans to arrive at reconciliation
and make recommendations that will help mitigate and prevent future
conflict.
We call on the
leadership and citizens of Zimbabwe, to be tolerant and maintain
Peace. All should put the country first, for Zimbabwe cannot afford
the battering it received following the 2008 Elections. The Church
will continue to engage the leadership of the Region under SADC
and relevant stakeholders and alert them to the fears and aspirations
of the people of Zimbabwe.
Scripture declares
and faith accepts that Peace is not an option but a Gospel imperative:
“What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, love kindness
& walk humbly with Him.” (Micah 6:6-8), “Peace I
leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the
world gives” (John 14:27).
Our prayer is
that Peace, Justice, Tolerance, Fairness, Reconciliation and all
the other Values of the Kingdom of God may prevail in Zimbabwe during
the upcoming Elections.
The
members of the ecumenical delegation were:
Rev Mmachakga
Mpho Moruakgomo - Botswana (Head of delegation), Rev. Lucas Amosse
Board Mozambique Council - Mozambique, Rev. Pearson Banda - Zambia,
Rev. Chizason Chunda - Zambia, Rev. Suzanne Matale - Zambia, Rev.
Gideon C. M. Dlamini - Swaziland, Mr Godfrey Mkandawire - Malawi,
Rev. Rupert Isaac Hambira - Botswana, Bishop Gilford Immanuel Matonga
- Malawi, Rev. Gosiame Goodenough Chaobi - South Africa, Mrs Elma
Dienda - Namibia, Mrs Masara Idlette Mathaha - Lesotho.
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