Citizens manifesto a body that represents the citizens finally reflects on political developments and the current situation in Zimbabwe.
Citizens Manifesto has brought together various stakeholders who represent almost every sector. These sectors include residents associations, labor, gender, youths and students and many more. What they fight for when they come together is a Zimbabwe that is desired by the citizens.
Citizens Manifesto commend overwhelming participation
In line with the 2018 elections, the citizens are celebrating the overwhelming contribution of citizens especially the youths. They acknowledge that most people participated for the first time in these elections. Citizens Manifesto applauds citizens for displaying patience, peace and responsible casting of votes.
The citizen’s highlight that the political playground was not fair and it favored those in power. In addition, they stated that although it gave room to international and local observation, the landscape was largely characterized by structural inequalities which disadvantaged the challengers.
Citizens question the free and fairness of elections
Citizens questioned the combination of the ruling party and state institutions, funding of campaigns, coverage by political media and the independence and professionality of election stakeholders . They also stressed that these elections can only be declared free and fair when structural issues are addressed.
Citizens Manifesto strongly defends the citizens’ right to peaceful protests which is stated in section 59 of the constitution. It calls for servant leadership and responsible from political leaders and civic leaders. These leaders are urged to guard their words and to speak in a way that promotes peace as they seek to coerce the masses.
Citizens condemn August 1 violence
The citizens also strongly condemn the August 1 political violence which claimed the lives of innocent people. They blame the state for the use of disproportionate and excessive use of force. The citizens also called for the promised independent investigation of the 1 August event. They added that this must be done in a transparent and timely manner with credible civic representation.
They also encouraged relevant chapter 12 institutions such Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and National Peace and Reconciliation Commission to thoroughly investigate reported issues on political violence and intimidation. The citizens also expressed the importance of these investigations because they have an impact on democratic practice and citizen participation.
Citizens call for judicial independence
The constitutional court has been urged to exercise its duty responsibly in hearing elections petitions. They are also reminded that they are supposed to handle matters within the confines of the law without interference from any sector of the society.
All political parties are reminded that most Zimbabweans love peace and progress and that they expect a leader that will strive to eradicate economic suffering. In addition, they point out that the time for political games is over Zimbabwe needs economic development.
International community warned
The citizens call the international community to stop engaging in an impartial manner that favors the elite. They highlight that they expect engagement with the citizens too because they are the ones who bear the consequences. They added that the international community to hear the voice of the citizens and stop paying all the attention to partisan politics. The international community has been urged to render Zimbabwe a helping hand especially when it comes to political conflicts and to uphold citizens’ centered decisions.
The citizens promised that from now onwards they will be making in-depth consultations to guarantee collective civic voice. They also committed to keeping the elected officials on the check so that they deliver what is best for Zimbabwe.