have been a source of Zimbabwe violent conflicts. Commitment made by all political parties to avoid violence
especially by signing of the Peace Pledge facilitated by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission
(NPRC) dissuaded physical and overt political violence. The Elections Day was therefore peaceful. Although
there were long queues in the morning and some isolated confusions on identification of polling centres by the
voters, polling centres or polling streams by voters, polling stations opened and closed on time. Counting also
proceeded peacefully.
Whilst all contesting political parties for 2018 Harmonized Elections were given opportunities to campaign in all
areas as a result of the minimum use of inhibitive laws such as Access to Information Protection and Protection of
Privacy Act (AIPPA) and Public Order and Security Act (POSA) the public media was not availed equally to all
contesting political parties. Some political parties had their political rallies broadcast live on national television
and radio. Others were not even given the opportunities to present themselves to the electorate. Voters needed
information from all political parties in order to make informed choices. The report recommends repeal or the
scraping off of AIPPA and POSA which are not very progressive in respect of the spirit of the Constitution of
Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) Act 2013 which has been lauded as one of the best constitutions on the continent!
The report also notes challenges to accept diversity, especially in rural communities. Starting soon after 2013
Harmonized Elections up to the eve of 2018 Harmonized Elections, some citizens were intimidated or threatened
with the reminders of 2008 political violence if they made their independent political choices. Some were denied
food aid or agriculture inputs until ―you reform and cross the floorǁ to the ―correct political party.ǁ Others were
threatened with evictions from the land or communities. The intimidation, isolation and divisive narrative which
have been common in Zimbabwe throughout the Electoral Cycle have undermined citizens' freedom of expression
and participation. CCJPZ is concerned that Zimbabwean men and women, the majority of whom are Christians,
continue to undermine the Social Teachings (STCs) and constitutional principles such as respect of human dignity,
human life and freedom of participation. Acts of parliament such as Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17) and
constitutional provisions such as Section 281 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act should be
faithfully respected and exercised for the Zimbabwe we all want!.
The report states that the serenity and peace Zimbabwe enjoyed on the Election Day was watered down on 1
August 2018. At least seven people were shot dead during a demonstration for speedy announcement of election
results. This tainted the image of Zimbabwe's 2018 Harmonized Elections. It soiled the country's international
human rights image as the shooting happened under the nose of international observers. Life is sacrosanct. Human
beings are created in the image of God and should not be killed under any circumstance (Gen 1:26). Whilst not
condoning the use of violence when citizens express themselves, the use of live ammunition on unarmed civilians
was too extreme. It was not necessary to lose lives on 1 August 2018 for the sake of ―ballot papers.ǁ May the souls
of those and others that departed rest in eternal peace!
The report concludes that Zimbabwe's 2018 Harmonized Election was tainted by pre-election incidents –
beginning soon after 2013 Harmonised Elections – such as political segregation in humanitarian or food aid
distribution; threats of evictions and isolation; intimidation, including reliving 2008 political violence, especially
if there was going to be a presidential rerun, among others. Zimbabwe is on a journey to free and fair elections if
continuous improvements could be made to the following:
I.
Good leadership qualities guided by the STCs, constitutional provisions and Acts of Parliament where
human dignity, human life and freedom of participation are respected. St. Paul's letter to the Romans warns
that ―those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will followǁ
(Romans 13:2);
II.
Political tolerance and recognition of diversity as positive values ―with all humility and gentleness, with
patience, bearing with one another in loveǁ (Ephesians 4:2).
III. Adequate and continuous voter education inclusive of all languages as stipulated in the Constitution of
Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013 ―my people are destroyed because of lack of knowledgeǁ (Hosea
4:6);
IV.
Timely availability of voters' roll to the public and stakeholders as stated in the constitution;
ii