Free, fair and credible elections: A perspective from the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe

As the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), having met with Heads of Denominations on the 21st of March 2018 in Harare, inspired by the continued public utterances by President ED Mnangagwa, indicating his commitment towards delivering a credible, free, fair and peaceful election, noting the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, as part of our #PrayRegisterVote campaign, hereby present our indicators for a credible, free, fair and peaceful election as follows:

1. Elections held under a new electoral law that is consistent with the Constitution of Zimbabwe
2. Timelines of critical processes being publicly shared and adhered to
3. Voters roll publicly availed for inspection and use by any interested party timeously and accessibly
4. All political parties and candidates enjoying access to state media to communicate their manifestos and make public appeal
5. ZEC being adequately resourced by the state
6. Having credible local, regional and international election monitors and observers
7. Political parties signing and adhering to a peace pledge
8. Slogans that promote hate and hurt being banned
9. Citizens freely supporting political parties and candidates of their choice without harassment, threat or intimidation
10. Traditional, religious leaders and security services not publicly demonstrating partisanship
11. Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Gender Commission, National Peace and Reconciliation Commission playing their constitutional roles to support elections
12. ZRP arresting all perpetrators of violence and criminality without fear or favour
13. At least 60% voter turnout
14. Election results posted at each polling station and announce winners within five days as provided by the law
15. Uncontested result owing to flawed process

We implore the guidance of the Almighty as the nation prepares for a free, fair and credible 2018 election. As the church, walking in the journey of rebuilding hope, confidence and stability towards the Zimbabwe we want, will continue to #PrayRegisterVote

Source: Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ)