THE Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has called on political parties to uphold the peace pledge ahead of the country's elections scheduled for next Wednesday.
Speaking yesterday in Gweru at the Midlands provincial peace pledge sighing ceremony attended by various political parties, ZCC president Ignatious Makumbe said it would be disgraceful to hear incidents of violence after parties commit themselves to peaceful polls.
“Today as we put pen to paper as political parties, let us go and implement what we are signing,” Makumbe said.
“It would be a disgrace that we have signed today and we hear stories of violence, lives are lost, property is destroyed and time for production is lost. As we today witness your, commitment to peace, let it be.”
Makumbe said political leaders should educate their followers to be peaceful, tolerant and loving.
He said it was impossible for human beings to live fulfilling lives without exercising peace and love.
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“Whenever we have to make a choice in resolving our differences, I advise you to choose love,” he said.
“Elections come for one day but (as Zimbabweans) we are going to live together for the rest of our lives.”
Makumbe added: “I am so pleased today that our political leadership is now acknowledging the economic cost of violence. Violence has never been a solution to conflict and if you don’t respect the sanctity of life you are evil.”
He said Zimbabwe had potential to improve on the global peace index if citizens committed themselves to peace.
Five political party representatives from Zanu PF, Citizens Coalition for Change, MDC-T, Zimbabwe Coalition for Peace and Development and United Zimbabwe Alliance signed the peace pledge witnessed by political activists, the church, media and civic organisations.