wfn.org | [AACC] Statement on Zimbabwe Elections

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AACC STATEMENT ON THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED ZIMBABWEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

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General Secretariat: Waiyaki Way, P.O. Box 14205 , 00800 Westlands,
Nairobi, Kenya

ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES

CONFERENCE DES EGLISES DE TOUTE L AFRIQUE

Our Ref:

AACC Statement on the Recently Concluded Zimbabwean Parliamentary Elections

The All Africa Conference of Churches wishes to express our thanksgiving
and appreciation that the recently concluded Parliamentary Elections in
Zimbabwe occurred in an atmosphere where peace and calm prevailed.  The
prevalence of peace and calm went a long way in insuring that the voters
were able to freely cast their ballots.

The reports that we have received from church based observers, such as the
Regional Faith Based Observer Mission consisting of the (Catholic)
Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops in Southern Africa (IMBISA), the
Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) Ethics, Peace and Justice
Commission, and the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa
(FOCCISA), indicate that The tranquility which prevailed during the
pre-election period continued during the polling day, with voters
exercising their right freely and in a peaceful environment.   They
conclude that the voting went quite well and the counting was transparent.
The elections were orderly. We thank the Almighty God for the peace and
quietness that prevailed throughout the Election Day.

We have also received reports of voters being turned away, problems with
voters lists, and alleged discrepancies between figures of voters reported
at polling stations and the final vote tally for some constituencies.  This
causes us concern, and we strongly urge the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
to investigate these claims urgently.  These investigations form a crucial
part of the democratic process, and if they are conducted promptly, fairly,
and transparently this will go a long way in strengthening confidence in
the newly elected parliament.

We applaud the Zimbabwean government for the recent positive improvements
(i.e. commitment to following SADC Electoral Guidelines, establishment of
the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, call for an end to violence and
intimidation, and greater transparency in the voting process).	However, we
wish to express our unease over conditions which have contributed to an
unlevel playing field (i.e. suppression of independent media, concern over
the voters roll, and oppressive laws such as the Public Order and Security
Act (POSA),  Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (AIPPA), and
the NGO Bill).	We urge the Zimbabwe government to listen carefully to the
concerns being expressed by many, as this is instrumental in the
development of the democratic process.

We recognize that the nation of Zimbabwe is still faced with a number of
profound challenges and divisions, and it is our prayer that a way forward
can be found which will help to address these through dialogue and
negotiation.  The call of the people of Zimbabwe is for a nation where
peace and justice prevail.  The All Africa Conference of Churches calls on
the people of Zimbabwe and church in Zimbabwe to redouble their efforts
towards reconciliation, thus strengthening their sense of nationhood as
they tackle their problems together.