EDWIN MOYO
Gweru-The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, (CCJP) Gweru Chapter last week called for peace and tolerance ahead of the upcoming polls in its second inter district political parties dialogue
The meeting which was held in the Midlands capital, saw political candidates from Zanu PF, MDC T, CCC and independent candidates coming together to uphold peace pledges.
Speaking at the CCJP engagement, MDC T aspiring councillor for ward 14, Silas Mutendeutswa said elections as an event was only a one day activity which required discipline.
He added that, it was not prudent for Zimbabweans as a people to be divided by elections as nation building was everyone’s role.
“Pulling down someone’s posters is violence, why should we down posters of others, that is breaching the law as it is illegal to pull down someone’s posters.
“Effects of violence are simple, after elections, if people go about beating each other, the next thing they won’t be able to greet each other in their communities, homesteads and it breeds chaos.
“Let’s know that if we don’t make it in the race, we are supposed to support the one who won because development affects us all. Breeding hate doesn’t take us anywhere,” he added.
Zanu PF Gweru District Coordination Committee secretary for information, Victor Maride said, it was good that the church was moving in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of promoting a peaceful environment ahead of polls.
“Am glad we are working together in promoting peace, as is being championed by the president, if people announce and celebrate results which are fake then we have a problem.
“Let’s do things according to the law, it’s not our duty to announce results, we have a lawful board which is mandated to do so,” he said.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspiring councillor for ward 15, Brian Matendawafa said his party was ready to uphold all ethos of peace.
CCJP Gweru coordinator, Father Andrew Dzingai however said as a commission it was good for tolerance to prevail among the communities.
“We are promoting peace and co existence despite coming from various political parties. We are saying for peace to prevail, the pledges upheld here must speak of oneness,” he added.
