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Elliot Ziwira Senior Writer
Zimbabwe needs God-inspired governance models if integral institutions that foster accountability, transparency and equality are to be created for the benefit of citizens, presidential hopeful and leader of Bethel Christian Party (BCP) Dr Willard Mugadza has said.

Dr Mugadza, an expert in international economic law, international trade law and governance, and one of the 23 presidential contestants for the July 30 harmonised elections, told The Herald that BCP’s vision as outlined in its manifesto aptly titled “LIGHT” was premised on Christian values, which are of essence in fostering good governance.

“BCP believes that God governance, which is one of the pillars of LIGHT, is good governance,” he said.

“The rule of law and effective anti-corruption measures are the bedrock and pillars of good governance. The creation and strengthening of institutions that support democracy is paramount.”

The 43-year-old BCP leader said as a predominantly Christian country, the time had come for the church to influence the politics of Zimbabwe for scourges such as corruption to be curbed.

“As a party, we believe that the time for the church to influence and effectively participate in Zimbabwe’s governance is now,” he said.

“With close to 90 percent of citizens confessing to be Christians, and have been looking for a political home that espouse genuine Christian values; we can build a strong, caring and prosperous nation.

“At the core of BCP, God-inspired governance are personal, familial, spiritual and national values, where honesty, love, unity and the sanctity of the marriage institution will be advocated.

“If the electorate gives us the mandate, our party will not tolerate corruption, abuse of office and homosexuality; but we shall stand shoulder to shoulder with the State of Israel to ensure that the Jewish community is safe in Zimbabwe.”

“BCP is not an opposition party, so we are calling upon all Zimbabweans to set aside our political differences and form a government that truly reflects our diverse dispositions,” he said.

“We are stronger together as a people. The only common thread in all political parties is our Christianity – that is why I am calling on all Christians in all political parties to remove political jackets and wear our Christian jackets. We are Christians first before we are members of political parties.”

Dr Mugadza outlined his party’s manifesto that is hinged on Vision 2050 that will project “LIGHT” on all sectors of the economy; with infrastructure, health, energy, housing and employment creation as pillars. His vision, he said, was to work with a lean cabinet of 12 ministers, and 10 provincial councils, which will promote accountability, transparency and hard work.

Dr Mugadza, who expressed optimism that he would be an occupant of State House come August, said his inauguration will be in Bulawayo where his government’s seat will be for six months.

“This is to ensure that we deal with the foundations of economic development and healing that is needed in Bulawayo,” he said.

“I will be based in Matabeleland North for a month, before moving to Matabeleland South for another month.

“All government business – regardless of how important it is – will be conducted from where the president will be. All the government officials and all ministers will be with the president in Matabeleland to make sure that we take to Matabeleland the level of economic development it requires.”

Though acknowledging that a lot has been done to even the playing field, Dr Mugadza said with God on his side he was poised for the penultimate prize; reforms or no reforms. “I am going to win this election for the nation,” he said.

“God does not care whether the playing field is even or not; God does not wait for electoral reforms to install a president.

“As far as I am concerned, God works best if the odds are against you. While the issues of electoral reforms are important, that does not stop God.

“Actually, there is no man or plan of man that can interfere with God’s plan.”