MIDLANDS province residents yesterday called for peace during and after today’s elections.
Speaking in separate interviews, residents called for tolerance and unity.
“The Midlands is known for its cultural diversity hence, it is my wish that tomorrow (today) we exercise our democratic right to vote in peaceful co-existence,” said Constance Sibanda of Mangwande village in Lower Gweru.
“Let us go to the ballot in peace and respect each other. People should be allowed to freely choose leaders of their choice.”
Brighton Hove from Zhombe said election day should be a time of reflection as people make political choices.
“Such important choices in choosing political leaders need quietness, peace and tolerance,” he said.
“It is my hope that as people of Midlands we rise to the occasion and demonstrate that we are a peaceful and tolerant people.”
Farai Mutema of Gokwe-Nembudziya said violence and intolerance especially during election periods were detrimental to the unity enjoyed by communities.
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“We are one people and divisions won’t help in the development of our communities hence let us vote in peace,” Mutema said.
James Chiseko from Mkoba suburb in Gweru said casting votes was only done in one day hence the need for peace and tolerance.
“It’s only Wednesday that we go to the ballot after that we continue being neighbours as we have been for years,” he said.
“What good does it do to harm your neighbour when you will continue to need each other?”
Last week, the church through the Zimbabwe Council of Churches spearheaded the signing of a Midlands peace pledge by various political parties.
Youths from 11 political parties also pledged to observe peace before, during and after the elections.
The event was convened by local non-governmental organisation 4-H Zimbabwe.
