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HE Joaquim Chissano, the former President of Mozambique has joined the call for peace by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, which brought together political parties, as well as local and international observers at the National Prayer meeting held in Harare today.
HE Chissano began his statement by quoting the Gospel according to Matthew Chapter 5 verses 5,7,8 and 9: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
He said the biblical passage undoubtedly fits into the spirit and letter of the initiative that brought together stakeholders from all walks of life to pray for peace in Zimbabwe during and after the elections.
“Jesus was on the mountain to pray with his disciples because they had a very great mission, to bring the good news. They were meditating when they were surprised by the Beatitudes. We are on our mountain, so that we may be commissioned to assume peace, mercy, meekness, a clean heart, to be peacemakers in this crucial moment in the life of the country.
“Our prayer this morning will be echoed for all those involved in the electoral process to correctly play their role, be it the competitors, the electoral administration as well as each electoral observer. However, at this juncture, I must ask each one of us present in this place, in this prayer, to embrace your neighbor and tell him MAY PEACE BE WITH YOU!” HE Chissano said
He said that Zimbabwe is holding the 2023 Harmonized Elections in a general atmosphere of tranquility. H had the opportunity to participate in the rallies held by the two main presidential candidates – His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Mr. Nelson Chamisa. He revealed that he left the two rallies encouraged by the messages for peace and non-violence before, during, and after the elections.
“This moment of prayer for peaceful elections here in Zimbabwe reveals the concern that all of us as a family have so that the country is never associated with any type of violence and conflict; that there is harmony between competitors and among the population at large.
“The question everyone should ask is: WHAT KIND OF ZIMBABWE DO I WANT FOR MYSELF, MY SON, MY GRANDSON, AND FUTURE GENERATIONS? The answer will undoubtedly guide our actions in these elections. If I were to answer, I would say that I want a Zimbabwe of peace, a prosperous country, filled with love and mutual respect, where dialogue and love are the prerogative of all without exception. What should I do to make this wish come true?”
He challenged political opponents to view themselves as brothers and sisters, and respect each other despite their differences; which should not lead to mobilizing the population for demonstrations that lead to violence and destruction of the country.
Speaking on the same occasion, HE Edward Kallon, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe
underscored the importance of the UN’s commitment to deepening democracy and reinforcement of the resolve to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and inclusive manner.
“On behalf of the United Nations, let me extend my appreciation to the religious leaders and representatives of various churches, whose role as the moral guidance and support to the citizens of Zimbabwe cannot be overemphasized. Committing the 2023 elections to the Almighty on the eve of the elections is very unique and significant. The Presence of His Excellency and the rest of the political party leadership here is a testimony of the importance you attach to peace and the importance of conducting ourselves with dignity, mutual respect, and tolerance throughout this electoral process.
“I commend Mr. President and the rest of the political leaders’ persistent call for peace in this election. The presence of esteemed election observer missions from regional and international partners serves as a testament to the global importance of these elections. Your impartial assessment will contribute significantly to enhancing trust-building and confidence in the electoral process. Let me use this occasion to appreciate all stakeholders in this election, the government, the political actors, the electoral commission and related institutions, the security forces, citizens, the media, and partners for the relentless efforts put in place to ensure successful and peaceful elections,” HE Kallon said.
He fervently appealed to those who will emerge as winners should do so in magnanimity and said those who will not make it should display a spirit of fair play and restraint.
“Grievances or dissatisfaction with the outcome should be channelled peacefully through established mechanisms and courts of law. Let the overall winner in this election be Zimbabwe as a country, he added.