Catholic bishops call for free and fair poll in 2008

By Lance Guma
18 December 2007

Zimbabwe’s Catholic Bishops have called on the government to ensure a free and fair environment for the holding of elections in 2008. In a pastoral letter issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference the group expressed concern over the manner in which past elections have been conducted, citing violence and intimidation in the process. The theme of the letter was titled, ‘only when power stands under God’s blessing can it be trusted,’ and urges Christian teachings and values to shape the conduct of ‘public lives.’ The group says the government should ‘establish a credible electoral process, whose outcome will be free and fair and with local and international recognition.’

The Bishop’s Conference urged Christians in Zimbabwe to make a decision over which party came closest to their Christian values. ‘Christians should become more involved in political life, running for office, working within political parties and communicating concerns to the elected officials. Voting should be guided more by one’s moral convictions than by one’s attachment to a political party or interest group,’ the letter added. They also stressed the importance of an independent electoral body saying this had to inspire confidence and protect the integrity of the process to deliver a free and fair election.

The bishops also noted how the same concerns they cited in a pastoral letter in 2004 still existed. Political parties have been urged to avoid provocative campaigns, be given the freedom to campaign freely, government to allow the media to do their job without hindrance and voters to be given enough time to register on the roll. The Bishop’s went on to say that groups that are involved in civic education should be allowed to engage in voter education.

Despite these and many other calls made by peace loving groups, signs on the ground are ominous for a free and fair poll. Mugabe’s roping in of the war veterans to secure his candidacy within Zanu PF has been seen in many quarters as a warning shot that he will not hesitate to use violence if events go against him. The opposition also reports widespread acts of violence across the country in areas like Chipinge and Chimanimani.