Introduction:
Addressing the Israelites, Moses put before them a clear choice, life or
death: “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and
adversity. . . . Choose life so that you and your descendants may live . . . . “
(Deut 30: 15-20). The 2013 national elections in Zimbabwe are as
important in determining the destiny of the nation as the elections at
independence in 1980. In 1980 the country closed the door to colonialism
and opened another to independence. In 2013 the country needs to close
the door to political intolerance, violence, impunity, lack of transparency
and accountability, intimidation, corruption and open another to a true
democratic dispensation in conducting free and fair elections that respect
the will of the people and uphold human dignity.
In our Ecumenical Discussion Document of 2006 on The Zimbabwe We
Want we wrote, “At the dawn of independence in 1980, a nation was born
out of a protracted armed struggle and many years of pain, suffering and
oppression. The ideals of the liberation war, of one person one vote and the
yearning for freedom: freedom from oppression, freedom from racism,
freedom from human indignity and violation, freedom from poverty and
hunger, ignorance and disease coupled with the urgent and pressing need
for the recovery and restoration of the land were the driving force behind
the fight for liberation. Our new found national status amongst the family
of nations created high hopes and expectations for a prosperous life. It was
these ideals that fired our vision of a new Zimbabwe and unlocked the
energies of people to work for a better Zimbabwe.
In the first fifteen years or so of post independence, Zimbabwe made
tremendous strides in almost all spheres of life. It was a country full of
promise and indeed the envy of most of the countries in Africa south of the
Sahara. . . . Zimbabweans enjoyed a great sense of patriotism and earned a
great deal of respect from their peers on the continent and the world at
large.
Yet in 2005, Zimbabwe celebrated its Silver Jubilee of independence
under the throes of a crisis, which persists to this day. The patriotic fervor,
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national pride and the once lofty and romantic ideals of independence
seemed to be lost, at least in the considered view of many of our nationals,
in the stark reality of a nation divided, traumatized and impoverished by
this political, economic and social crisis. . . .This has manifested itself in the
denudation of professionals and skilled personnel through a massive brain
drain into the diaspora, . . . decline in agricultural and manufacturing
productivity, . . . escalating corruption, flight of foreign investments, . . .
declared and undeclared sanctions and dwindling tourist arrivals. These
negative indicators have inflicted a heavy toll on the generality of the
population.” (The Zimbabwe We Want).
The country only started to recover from its woes in 2009 with the
formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which brought
back some measure of economic stability and successfully mobilised
consensus around a new national constitution. It is our sincere hope that the
new dispensation will enable the holding of free and fair elections in 2013.
Our elections since independence in 1980 have been marred by violence,
reaching its darkest moment in the period leading up to the presidential run
off elections of June 2008 where many were maimed and killed.
A Second Chance
Pope John Paul II said, “For a stalk to grow or a flower to open there must be
time that cannot be forced . . . . “(ZENIT 4/12/2012). Zimbabwe has been
growing through good and bad times since independent in 1980. The events
of the past decade or so have left many people wishing for a new dawn for
the country. This is the same aspiration with which many entered the new
year, 2013. Zimbabwe has scheduled important national processes in 2013,
which include a national referendum on the proposed new national
constitution followed by general harmonised elections. Zimbabwe has held
several elections since independence, which in most cases proved
controversial. Many are hoping that the elections in 2013 will be free and
fair, to enable the rehabilitation of the country into the international
community. Free and fair elections should be possible with a new
constitution and the necessary reforms in place. 2013 offers Zimbabwe a
second chance.
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The significance of the 2013 elections in Zimbabwe is aptly captured in the
2013 New Year Zimbabwe Council of Churches pastoral letter, which
states: “Today the nation of Zimbabwe is at a cross-roads; a decisive
moment, commonly called KAIROS in theological terms, when God's
people are faced with making life-changing choices as they seek God's
guidance. It is similar to what confronted the nation of Israel at the sight of
the Red Sea during Moses' Leadership. Moses led the people to consult
God's plan and purposes for them, and the times we face today do require
the Church to do the same. Such times call for pragmatic reflection, looking
back and forth, with the intention of transforming our faith into concrete
practical actions, as we face an uncertain future, which only God knows.”
We join the rest of the Christian Body in praying that Zimbabwe does not
slide back into its violent past but that as we observe this Year of Faith we
may do what is right and just before God.
As the Church, we call for and demand a peaceful environment in 2013
before, during and after the elections. Memories of the violence that was
unleashed on the nation in the 2008 presidential elections run off are still
fresh in our minds. The experience makes many apprehensive at the
mention of fresh elections. However, the untenable situation of the past
decade emboldens many to want to move boldly forward. The Church has
been empowering communities with peace building capacities as a way of
healing the wounded from the June 2008 elections and also as a way of
preventing a recurrence of violence. This will have to be an ongoing
exercise. Communities have been hurt over many years and it will take
years to heal and cultivate a culture of peace. More concerted efforts
continue to be made towards comprehensive national healing and
reconciliation but this has been limited owing to a non-conducive
environment and new instances of violence.
The past decade has seen the politicization of the whole country, including
Churches. We long for a day when Zimbabweans can begin to live their
normal lives again as brothers and sisters and not primarily as political and
politicking creatures. We need to move beyond the ailments of the past
decade that includes partisan governance, corruption, economic meltdown,
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mass emigration, HIV and AIDS and new sicknesses, hate speech, tribal
and ethnic divisions, etc. In 2013 Zimbabwe becomes 33 years old since
independence in 1980 and we need to find our soul as a nation, with a
common vision to which the Churches started to contribute in 2006 with
the publication of the discussion document The Zimbabwe We Want.
We can take all the past developments, good and bad, as the birth pangs of a
new democratic nation. Perhaps the process could not be rushed, but now
the nation is weary. Blessed John Paul II mentions time as an indispensable
factor. We are hoping 2013 will be the fulfilment of such time for
Zimbabwe when, finally, the flower will blossom.
A Credible Electoral Process For A Responsible And Accountable
Leadership
In our pastoral letter of August 2004 with the same title as the subtitle
above, we pointed out that the way elections have been conducted in our
country since 1980 has been controversial and marked by serious violence.
It is not our intention to dwell on the past but to focus on the imminent
electoral processes and the hope they offer for lasting peace.
An Election is not an event confined to a window period of registration of
candidates, days of balloting and counting the votes. An election is rather a
process which takes place over a considerable period of time. This process
embraces the social, political and economic climate in which the
technicalities of electing political leaders take place. This climate exercises
a major influence on how the voting population decides who will represent
them. An electoral process that aspires to be technically free and fair must
be based on a moral integrity that alone makes freedom and fairness a
reality. Without such moral integrity, an electoral process will lack
authenticity and credibility, becoming a source of violence, controversy
and ostracization.
The Church is non-partisan. Christians may belong to various parties but
the Church as such though political as is the case with most institutions,
does not align itself with any single party. In fact, the Church looks beyond
the parties and derives its ethos from the eternal Kingdom of God, a
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kingdom of love, truth, justice, freedom and peace. What we shall be in the
hereafter is what the Church seeks to prepare humanity for in the present by
building the foundations here on earth of the Eternal Kingdom. The Church
aspires for Kingdom justice in the here and now.
Individual Christians can make their own decisions as to which party
comes closest to the Christian ethos and their aspirations in this life and
vote accordingly. The Church respects each individual decision and this
reality is evident in all congregations composed of members belonging to
all existing parties. While the institutional Church must not get involved in
party politics, this does not apply to individual Christians. They have a right
to join a particular party of their choice and to promote its policies and
activities in a peaceful manner which respects the rights of others to hold
their own views too (campaigning, recruitment of new members, fund
raising, etc.) Within that political party, however, they must act as salt and
light. There must be “a firm commitment to justice and solidarity by each
member of the people of God. Catholic professionals and teachers,
businessmen and civil servants, lawyers and politicians are especially
expected to bear witness to goodness, truth, justice and love of God in their
daily lives” (Church in Africa, nos. 105 and 108).
Elections
In the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Africae Munus, On The
Church In Africa In Service To Reconciliation, Justice and Peace, Pope
Benedict XVI writes, “. . .elections represent a platform for the expression
of a people's political decisions, and they are a sign of legitimacy for the
exercise of power. They provide a privileged opportunity for healthy and
serene public political debate, marked by respect for different opinions and
different political groupings. If conducted well, elections call forth and
encourage real and active participation by citizens in political and social
life. Failure to respect the national constitution, the law or the outcome of
the vote, when elections have been free, fair and transparent, would signal a
grave failure in governance and a lack of competence in the administration
of public affairs.” (Africae Munus no. 81)
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As we head towards general elections, we would like to remind
Zimbabweans of the importance of credible electoral processes. As your
Shepherds, we are very much concerned about the atmosphere that prevails
before, during and after elections. A peaceful atmosphere should prevail
throughout. Be reconciled to God and to one another.
Before Elections
The period before elections is as important as the period during and after
elections. All campaigns done by all political parties should be done
peacefully. Political parties and individuals should be free to campaign.
This is important because it helps voters to judge which political party will
best serve their interests. People should, therefore, be free to attend
political party meetings of their choice. It is not a crime to belong to any
political party. On the contrary, it is actually healthy to be citizens that hold
various political opinions. We call for tolerance among members of
different parties.
Coercion and harassment of political opponents and prohibition of
political meetings are incompatible with democracy. The violence and
intimidation that have been witnessed in the past dishonour our democratic
aspirations as a nation. Violence and intimidation breed fear and tension in
the citizens. No freewill can be exercised under fear. As a result the
elections may not be free and fair. We call upon all contesting parties to sign
up for The Zimbabwe Political Parties Code of Conduct, Engendering
Peaceful Free Political Choices, Engagement and Activities. We
implore Government to make the Code of Conduct compulsory for all
contesting political parties.
Political parties that contest in the forth-coming elections should have
equal access to State media coverage. The electorate have a right to be fully
informed before they make their political choices.
Qualities of the Candidates
As Church, we are not there to tell people which political party or candidate
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to vote for. People choose their leaders on their own. But we encourage
citizens to choose leaders with good leadership qualities. Most of the voters
are deceived by sweet-tongued politicians whose true colours only come
out when they come into power. Such leaders tend to forget people who
voted them into power as they chase after their own personal interests. The
period before elections should be a period when citizens closely examine
the candidates' profile and policies of contesting political parties. We
encourage voters to look for leaders with the following qualities:
Selfless Service
A good candidate is willing to serve. In the cabinet, we have ministers for
various ministries. To minister is to serve. A minister is a servant - a servant
of the people. A good candidate is not selfish. He or she has the people who
elected him or her at heart. The interest of the people comes first before his
own personal interest. Some are selfish. They don't serve. They appear only
during election time when they solicit votes and never come back to the
constituencies to give feedback or to plan with the people who elected them
to power. Jesus said, whoever wishes to be great among you must be your
servant (Mk 10:43). Examine whether the candidate or party you want to
vote for is interested in your needs as a community. Does the candidate or
party accept different ideas? Is the candidate or party only after power for
the sake of power or for the sake of service? The assessment and decision is
up to the voter. Those who will be leaders should use persuasion not force.
Responsibility
Does your candidate have a sense of responsibility? A responsible leader
sets goals and makes a follow-up in order to see that those goals are fulfilled.
A lot of promises for the communities are made during political campaigns.
However, irresponsible leaders do not usually care about fulfilling promises
they make to the people.
Accountability
An accountable candidate is ready to explain to the people the motives of his
or her directions and performance. He/she has no problems with being
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transparent when it comes to handling public funds. He/she has nothing to
hide from the people in the way he/she conducts business or his/her
personal life. Zimbabwe has a lot of God-given natural resources, but
questions have been raised on their governance. Similarly, Members of
Parliament were given Community Development Funds in 2011, but again,
there were questions on accountability, transparency and involvement of
the communities or voters over their use. Lack of accountability and
transparency has seen our country land into the deep pit of corruption. A
government that is only accountable to itself is not democratic.
Truthfulness
A good candidate is truthful. A good leader does not necessarily need to be
perfect. A leader who admits failure wins respect among the people because
he admits the truth. People value honesty and truthfulness. It is important
for Zimbabweans to vote for a candidate who considers truth to be of value.
Such a person can impart this value to the whole of our society.
Respect for human Dignity
This is a fundamental quality that a leader should have. A good leader
should have respect for human dignity. All human rights such as right to life,
decent accommodation, freedom of worship, etc. are based on the need for
respect and promotion of human dignity. Candidates or political parties
that subject citizens to abusive treatment like torture, killings, abusive
language or threaten people with torture if they don't vote for them are not
good leaders. Such leaders create perennial fear in the citizens. Good
candidates or political parties treat all citizens with respect and would want
to offer all citizens equal opportunities as much as possible. Jesus speaks to
us all when he says, “So always treat others as you would like them to treat
you; that is the law and the prophets” (Mathew 7:12).
Every situation is an opportunity to observe and realize God's intention for
us. In the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, he says to us today: “You shall love
the Lord, your God, with all your heart and all your soul, and with all your
mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it: You
shall love your neighbour as yourself”(Mt. 22: 37-39). Let this electoral
period in the Year of Faith help us grow in the love of God and neighbour. As
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a nation, we are confident we can fulfil this commandment in all its
demands including justice and charity.
During Elections
We make the same appeal as we made in our pastoral letter of 2004, for the
authorities to make sure that all those wanting to cast their vote do so
without difficulty and in doing so are able to express their will freely.
We also repeat our request for regional and international monitors and
observers. Opening up our electoral processes to all will validate our
resolve as a nation to do what is right and underline that we have nothing to
hide and that there is nothing we shall do which cannot pass the test of public
scrutiny. Most Zimbabweans have lost trust in the leadership and the
electoral system. Adequate Monitors and Observers can help restore
people's confidence in the plebiscite.
After Elections
Be magnanimous in victory, gracious in defeat. After elections, like
Nehemiah, we should all be able to say, “Come, let us build up the wall of
Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer disgrace” (Nehemiah 2:17-18).
Conclusion
We have written this pastoral letter for Easter 2013 when we remember the
death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. May our
country rise to new life in the Lord and move forward to the Kingdom future
he promises. We invite all Christians and people of good will to commit
themselves to promoting peace in Zimbabwe and overcome the culture of
intolerance, intimidation and political violence. As Church we will
endeavour to facilitate forgiveness, national healing and reconciliation in
the years to come. The country has endured many years of violence and will
take many years to heal. In his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Africae
Munus, On The Church In Africa In Service To Reconciliation, Justice and
Peace, Pope Benedict XVI says, “It is important for the present and for the
future to purify memories, so as to build a better society where such
tragedies are no longer repeated.” (Africae Munus no. 21.)
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We invite you all to pray for our country at all times and during all
occasions particularly at this important time in our life as a nation. At the
same time it is also very important that all who are eligible to vote must
register and exercise their responsibility as citizens by casting their votes
on the due date, including Priests and Religious.
We thank the God of second chances for bringing us to the elections of
2013. However, we are also fully conscious that the God of second chances
has a day of judgement (Mt. 25:31-46). Second chances are not forever. Let
us make the most of the present opportunity to redeem ourselves in faith;
there may be no other chance. May God Almighty bless the nation of
Zimbabwe and grant it the faith, the vision and the courage to build a
Zimbabwe that is free, tolerant, peaceful, prosperous and God fearing.
+Angel Floro, Bishop of Gokwe (ZCBC President)
+Robert C. Ndlovu, Archbishop of Harare
+Alex Thomas, Archbishop of Bulawayo (ZCBC Secretary/Treasurer)
+Alexio Churu Muchabaiwa, Bishop of Mutare (ZCBC Vice
President)
+Michael D. Bhasera, Bishop of Masvingo and Pontifical
Administrator of Gweru
+Dieter B. Scholz SJ, Bishop of Chinhoyi
+Albert Serrano, Bishop of Hwange
+Patrick M. Mutume, Auxiliary Bishop of Mutare
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