Seven Political Parties Sign Peace Pledge Ahead 23 August 2023 Elections

By Desire Tshuma

Faith-based organizations today made a historical national peace pledge with political parties who are going to take part in the 23 August 2023 elections as a promise for non-violent elections.

The peace pledge signing ceremony was organized and hosted by faith based organizations the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations. Seven political parties signed the peace pledge while other political outfits failed to turn for the event .

ZANU PF, CCC , MDC-T, ZAPU, UZA, UANC and ZCPD signed with great ululation from the member churches and other invited delegates and members of the diplomatic corps. Among the heads of church leaders who witnessed the signing of the peace pledge were representatives from ZCC , UDACIZA, EFZ, ZCBC and the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches represented by Nehemiah Mutendi, Bishop of the Zion Christian Churches.

Ambassador Stephanie Rey of the Embassy of Switzerland and the Chaplain General for Zimbabwe Republic Police Assistant Commissioner Doyce also witnessed the peace pledge signing ceremony.

“Political parties, candidates and Zimbabwean population we are all children of God . The political jackets we wear should not make us view each other differently , We are first of all , God’s children and we have an obligation and responsibility to be each other’s keeper ” said Bishop Muparutsa , President of Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations .

“I also call upon the Church you’re the custodian of peaceful living in our country. Do not tire in preaching peace , the church is the light and salt of our country and I implore and plead with our candidates not to cause children of God fight each other let us vote in peace and we have life after elections,” concluded Bishop Muparutsa .

Zimbabwe is now in an election mood , there have been case of political violence that have been recorded . Recently there have case of arson in Shurugwi where ten house holds were burnt and yesterday a CCC member was stoned to death in Glenview. Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned those who engage into political violence that the long arm of the law shall descend to them without fear or favour.