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uncertainties surrounding the election date, and their effect on preparedness; delays in the voter registration process, with a considerable number of eligible voters failing to get themselves registered, and irregularities we witnessed during Special Voting also reduced our confidence in electoral processes. But these circumstances should not discourage us from voting. We are always asked to be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." (Deuteronomy 31:6). Much of the suffering on earth is because of godless leadership. (Proverbs 28:12). Some good people are equally to blame for bad situations as they do nothing about them. As responsible citizens, we must participate in choosing God fearing leaders who are selfless, responsible, accountable and truthful; leaders who respect human life and human dignity. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has assured the nation of the secrecy of the ballot and how each vote will count. As usual, the Catholic Church, through CCJPZ, and other regional church institutions such as InterRegional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) will be actively participating in the electoral processes so that we can independently and freely exercise our democratic right. In most of the polling stations, there will be local and international CATHOLIC OBSERVER. Their role would be to observe the process and inform the national and regional Catholic Church leadership. Where necessary, the Church leadership will inform liaisons with responsible institutions and individuals responsible for electoral processes. With the Prophet Isaiah, we say: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10). May our country rise to new life in the Lord and move forward to the Kingdom future he promises. We invite all Christians and people of good will to commit themselves to promoting peace in Zimbabwe and overcome the culture of intolerance, intimidation and political violence. As Church we will endeavour to facilitate forgiveness, national healing and reconciliation in the years to come. We invite you all to pray for our country at all times and during all occasions particularly at this important time in our life as a nation. (ZCBC Pastoral Letter, 15 March 2013).
For Election Day Observation updates, follow: CCJPZ Election Observation 2013; ccjpz4peace.wordpress.com; twitter.com/ccjp4peace
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Issued by the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe 29-31 Selous Avenue, 2nd Floor, Telephone: +263 4 704 415/ 797 163/ 792 693 Fax: +263 4 762 861 Email: natdirccjp@zcbc.co.zw/ccjp@zcbc.co.zw Web page: www.zcbc.co.zw/ccjp.html Blog page: catholiccomforjusticeandpeaceinzimbabwe.wordpress