Bulawayo church leaders have spoken out against proposals to delay Zimbabwe’s 2028 national elections, arguing it would undermine the constitution and destabilise the country.
The church leaders are also concerned that politicians in Zimbabwe now are swayed by promises of money, power and positions and there is no longer a strong opposition that upholds principles.
These comments come as calls to postpone elections in favour of a national dialogue.
The formation of a national unity government appears to be gathering traction in government and opposition circles, including in some diplomatic sectors.
In an interview with CITE, Archbishop of the Bulawayo Archdiocese, Alex Thomas Kaliyani, stated he does not see the need to postpone elections because Zimbabwe’s constitution requires that polls take place every five years.
“Potspoing elections has been rumoured as possibilities for having national unity, which is important but what kind of national unity are we looking at,” he said.
The Archbishop bemoaned that such discourse was gaining traction because “there is no meaningful opposition anymore” who adhered to principles.
“2028 is still far away,” said Thomas, adding that if the government and opposition wanted to dialogue, they should do so now rather than waiting until 2028.
“There will be disharmony and once again the economy may go down. People will lose trust in the country and so forth. We need to have people trust in the economy and in our systems. I will not advocate for a postponement of elections in 2028 because we have time enough to sort those issues now.
The Archbishop said the church is calling for a meaningful opposition so that democracy can flourish.
“At the moment unfortunately we don’t have a strong opposition who can stand for principles and that is my concern,” said Thomas who advised the leadership to focus on establishing proper democratic structures.
He also advised the “so-called” opposition to stand firm and resolute as he acknowledged that the state was crafty, wanting to divide and rule groups.
“They will find a way of dividing the opposition and the opposition also has to be careful, shrewd or wise enough not to be divided. They should have principles not to look for power and positions. In opposition people want money, power and position but compromising principles and needs of the people,” Thomas said.
According to the Archbishop, Zimbabweans “like money,” which is a weakness that causes them to violate their convictions.
“Even if you are poor and hungry, stand for principles, values and the needs of people. Don’t sell the people and make money for yourself. To me that is not right,” said Thomas.
Reverend Milson Ndlovu, a pastor in the Brethren In Christ Church (BICC), concurred that postponing elections was a bad idea.
“In my personal view, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he said, adding that the opposition’s or ruling party’s lack of preparedness should not be used to justify changing dates or national programmes.
“As a matter of principle, people must prepare and be geared for elections, because it’s well known there should be elections.”
Rev. Ndlovu said leaders of the opposition or those in the current government must deliver as per their electorate’s expectations.
“Excelling in one’s role is to make sure there is succession whether in the opposition or non opposition. You should make sure there is continuity, leadership renewal and succession be it ruling party or the opposition,” said the pastor.
Rev. Ndlovu said the suggestion to postpone elections was disrespectful to the populace, electorate and also the current constitution.
“Let’s be faithful to the constitution and let’s be people who abide by the constitution and what it is saying. The ability for leaders to demonstrate they are people of integrity and of good morals is abiding with the constitution,” said the pastor.
“It is my desire that those in leadership currently in whatever party, should respect the constitution because people sat down and said how they would like to be governed. To be changing and wanting to change people’s will is disrespect, dishonour and a betrayal of the respect ceded to the leadership.”
Apostle Handsome Ncube of Glory Emmaus Ministries International weighed in, saying that instead of focusing on a postponement, the parties concerned should develop this planned national conversation so that by 2028, they are ready for elections.
“Elections are a level playing field not just for the two parties in Parliament but for other parties that may want to contest four years from now,” he said.
The apostle said a national dialogue is important to remove the negative picture Zimbabweans have of the state of politics but postponing elections is another issue.
“If there is to be a government of national unity, has it been elaborated how the other parties will come in? Will posts be created for other players because it cannot just be for the two players,” Ncube said.
“Why don’t we do the dialogue now before we get to the election instead of postponing?”
Apostle Ncube claimed postponing elections might be motivated by personal agendas or someone who is manipulating systems.
“For the new constitution, we went for a referendum which does not permit a third term. It sounds manipulative for us to postpone the election,” he said, adding that citizens were aware that the ruling party had a vision of ruling until 2030.
“Why should we alter what the constitution says in order to fulfil somebody’s desire?”
The apostle stated a country, even political parties, especially the ruling party itself, was not run by one person.
“A political party is not about an individual, it’s about groups of people who have an ideology, which is transmitted to the whole party. If Zanu PF still wants to be in power by 2030 then their candidate, who also has the same ideologies as the current president will continue and finish the vision 2030, even after the term of the incumbent president has expired,” Ncube said.
