ZCC reiterates calls for dialogue

**ZCC general secretary, Rev Wilfred Dimingu**

Zim Now Writer

The Church has reiterated its call for dialogue as a way of solving the challenges the country may face, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches said in a statement.

This comes in the wake of the recall of 15 legislators from the august House by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be CCC interim secretary-general who claims to be CCC interim secretary-general, wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda before the latter proceeded to notify the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of vacancies in the 15 constituencies.

The ZCC, in its statement released yesterday, stressed the need for peace and unity and the entrenchment of constitutional democracy. “Reiterates the prophetic call for dialogue towards disentangling the country from the election mode and finding a path to a collectively defined future; building unity, shared national values and vision; inclusive and shared economic prosperity; healing, justice and peace; and entrenchment of constitutional democracy,

The pastoral statement also called for review and repeal of section 129 (1)(k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which they argued has been widely abused to disempower the electorate and resulted in significant waste of resources through by-elections.

The interdenominational Christian body also called on its member churches and the broader Christian community in the country and beyond to continue preaching the message of love, hope and compassion while urging Zimbabweans remain calm and to offer prayers and supplication.

The ZCC’s argument is that the recalls of the parliamentarians place a wedge between political actors and their supporters, further perpetuating the deep polarisation and divisions that have characterised Zimbabwe in the run-up to and after the August 23 and 24 Harmonised Elections.

“The recalls will relapse the country into partisan discourse instead of healing and uniting the nation towards a common vision …” and “disrespect the will of the electorate who sacrificed their time on election day to cast their vote and select the leaders they want”.

The Rev Wilfred Dimingu-led ZCC also noted that elections have a heavy fiscal strain on the limited resources that the country has, which resources could be directed towards developmental programmes.