Zim Political Parties Sign Peace Pledge

Charity Chikara

08.08.23

Political parties contesting in the anticipated August 23 harmonised elections have signed the peace pledge commiting to promoting and safeguarding the peace and tranqulitu throughout the 2023 electoral cycle.

The parties signed the Peace pledge on Friday at the instigation of the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHCD).

Amongst other provisions of the pledge, parties pledged to promote and fully comply with the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates and other stakeholders contained in the Electoral Act Chapter (2:1)

To individually and Collectively promote climate of peace and tolerance in all electoral processes and respect the right of all Political parties, candidates and stakeholders to freely assemble, canvas and campaign.

To ensure that all citizens’ and voters’rights to freedom of expression, association, personal choice and secrecy of the ballot are guranteed

To publicly condemn and unreservedly dissociate from any action that may undermine the free and fair conduct of elections, including violence, coercion intimidation, bribery and any other electoral malpractice.

To refrain from inducing fear in citizens and voters through hate speech and publicly against all forms of violence, intimidation, force, undue influence, reprisals and all other electoral malpractices.

The parties including ZANU-PF, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), MDC-T, amongst others were adequately represented.