Vote for the future of Zimbabwe not charismatic leaders, Catholic bishops say

The bishops hailed the progress made in preparing the voters’ roll, particularly the use of new technology.

“Everything that makes for greater transparency will contribute to the credibility of the election and its result both inside and outside Zimbabwe,” they write.

Calling on individuals to use their vote for the good of the country, the bishops urged the faithful to choose leaders that exemplify selfless service, responsibility, accountability, truthfulness and respect for human dignity.

Warning that it is inevitable that some will be disappointed, the bishops add that whatever the results a new Zimbabwean politics will need to be “more collaborative, inclusive and based not on one or two leaders, however effective and charismatic”.

A new Zimbabwe must be “based on strong democratic institutions that embody and secure the values of our democracy”, the bishops write.

The bishops urge Zimbabweans to look beyond the elections and set a new focus on the type of society that is desired in the country.

“We need to look at the bigger picture. Ultimately, what we are voting for is not this or that government but rather a particular kind of society for ourselves and for our children,” they conclude.

Zimbabwe will go to the polls on 30 July for the first time since former vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa swept into power last November following a brief military takeover.

Elections under Mugabe were marred by corruption, intimidation and violence, but Mnangagwa has vowed to hold a free and fair vote.- The Tablet

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