The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has called on all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful environment before and after the general elections scheduled for 2023.
In a statement marking the International Day of Peace, running under this year’s theme, “End racism. Build peace”, ZESN said Zimbabwe is a signatory to several treaties which call for the maintenance of peace during elections. It said:
As Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating this special day, ZESN strongly believes targeted peacebuilding efforts will go a long way in preventing election violence in Zimbabwe during the 2023 pre, polling and post-election periods.
Zimbabwe is a signatory to the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, among others which call for the promotion of peace during elections; therefore elections are an important aspect of every society.
ZESN also called for the strengthening of State institutions mandated with defending human rights as well as Civic Society Organizations (CSOs). ZESN said:
The Network calls for the strengthening of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), Civic Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Education Institutions, Political Parties and the Media as they are critical stakeholders to fostering a culture of peace and tolerance in the society.