SENATORS have called on political parties to shun political violence ahead of the 2018 general elections in order to promote a culture of peace and tolerance.
By VENERANDA LANGA
Speaking during a debate on a motion on measures to curb violence perpetrated by political parties on Wednesday, senators said violence had become a socio-political way of life among Zimbabweans.
Senator representing people living with disabilities, Nyamayabo Mashavakure, said MPs must also desist from inciting violence during Parliamentary public hearings or elections.
“MPs must not incite antagonism among the people and must encourage political parties to take a stand against any violence, whether historical or created now,” Mashavakure said.
“We need to be a people who can live tolerantly of each other, especially leaders in this august House, who must not whip up emotions and sentiments against other MPs when debating.”
He condemned the violence in Bindura and Chinhoyi during public hearings on the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Bill, saying MPs must not drive people’s emotions such that they end up fighting during public hearings.
Manicaland Senator Judith Mawire (Zanu PF) said political parties should be taught how to create peace among people who have different opinions with them.
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Senator chief Daxter Chisunga said traditional leaders must be neutral and stand up to tell the country that violence is bad.
He denounced intra-party violence in political parties saying people must exercise tolerance of each other’s political views.
Midlands’ senator Lillian Timveos (MDC-T) said illegal gold panners were also very violent, fighting each other for claims.
Timveos said MPs that often perpetrate violence were lazy, as they do not go back to their constituencies to meet the people, but come election time they want to be voted back to Parliament and they resort to violence.
“These MPs stay in Harare and when it is almost time for elections, they go back and want to force people to vote for them. Some chiefs become involved in politics, but they must educate people that electoral violence is bad and that they must campaign peacefully,” Timveos said.
