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Sydney Mubaiwa in Zaka
Political parties have been called to heed President Mnangagwa’s exhortation for peace by shunning violence, especially as the country prepares for harmonised elections in a few months’ time.

Addressing mourners gathered at St Anthony Cemetery last week at the burial of long-serving Musiso Mission Hospital ambulance driver Paul Chinyere, Zaka Central Member of Parliament Cde Paradzai Chakona said the new dispensation wanted Zimbabweans to unite and focus on promoting socio-economic development.

He added that holding peaceful, free and fair credible polls was the ideal starting point. Cde Chakona challenged traditional leaders to preach peace in their communities, saying Zimbabweans were one irrespective of their political differences.

“My appeal to everyone is that lets all unite and collectively develop our nation under the new dispensation and as we head for polls that will be held shortly. We must be tolerant and peaceful so that we vote in tranquillity,’’ said Cde Chakona.

“Our traditional leaders should be the glue that brings our people together, so it is also incumbent upon them to preach peace, respect and love in communities they live.’’

Cde Chakona added that it was the duty of all political parties in the country to preach peace ahead of the coming elections. “As President Mnangagwa has always been saying, we must hold peaceful polls so that they are credible, free and fair. It is important for all the other political players to walk in the same line with the President, whose message on the need for peaceful polls has been unequivocal.”

Cde Chakona said it was important for candidates that will be contesting in the coming elections to refrain from hate speech to avoid fuelling violence.

He said Zimbabwe was in the process of re-engaging the international community, saying holding peaceful polls would be an important licence for the country to be easily accepted in by the community of nations.