HEAL ZIMBABWE - BASELINE STUDY REPORT One respondent, for example, commented that “communities want the government to own up, address local fears, anger and worries.” The government should take responsibility by prosecuting the perpetrators of violence, discouraging violence and to “use state institutions and handle grievance responsively as well as setting up competent courts even community courts such as the Rwandese gacaca.”74 This suggests that if the government publicly denounces violence and guarantees non-recurrence of violence, communities will be able to appreciate the sincerity and genuineness of the government in national peace and reconciliation processes. “ the President and current MPs should resign because they remind citizens of the past violence and gross human rights violations.” Respondents with radical views even called for the removal of the political leaders and institutions who participated in perpetrating violence. For example, one respondent said that for peace and reconciliation to take place effectively, “the President and current MPs should resign because they remind citizens of the past violence and gross human rights violations.”75 This would help to pave the way for a sincere reconciliation and peace building effort. The new leadership will also have to demonstrate will and commitment towards revisiting the past and protecting the rights of its citizens by enacting laws and policies that guarantee non-recurrence and hold perpetrators to account. Institutions such as Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) must also be reformed and re-constituted. This is because these institutions played a pivotal role in perpetuating violence in the country. Such reforms will entrench rule of law and democracy thereby establishing a conducive environment within which the peace and reconciliation efforts can achieve positive results. Communities also expect political parties to reform from being conflictual into becoming peaceful and democratic. Some respondents said violence has become a code of conduct of political parties. Therefore, “we need to address violent political activities and selfishness within political parties.”76 In view of this response, it is not only government institutions that should reform, but political parties that in turn lead legislative decisions and government business. Personal interview with Community leader in Mazowe on the 7th of July 2016 Personal interview with a Church leader in Chinhoyi on the 13th of June 2016 76 Personal interview with a Civic Society representative in Chinhoyi on the 13th of June 2016 74 75 41