All Africa Conference of Churches Comments on Mugabe’s Zimbabwe Election Win

The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) has released a statement regarding the recent elections that took place in Zimbabwe, where President Mugabe overwhelmingly won in another controversial election. In the statement it is stated that the AAC wished to express its thanksgiving and appreciation that the recent elections which took place in Zimbabwe occurred with an atmosphere of peace and calm.

The AACC state that they have received reports from church observers, such as the Regional Faith Based Observer Mission consisting of the (Catholic) Inter-Regional Meeting of Southern Africa (IMBISA), the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) Ethics, Peace and Justice Commission, and the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA), that indicate clearly that there was "tranquillity" in the pre-election period, and that this continued to the polls.

The statement also read that voters were able to exercise their right freely and in a peaceful environment, and that the reports from the church observers conclude that the voting went quite well and the counting was transparent.

"The elections were orderly. We thank the Almighty God for the peace and quietness that prevailed throughout the Election Day."

However, in addition the statement went on to read, "We have also received reports of voters being turned away, problems with voters’ lists, and alleged discrepancies between figures of voters reported at polling stations and the final vote tally for some constituencies."

"This causes us concern, and we strongly urge the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to investigate these claims urgently. These investigations form a crucial part of the democratic process, and if they are conducted promptly, fairly, and transparently this will go a long way in strengthening confidence in the newly elected parliament," the statement said.

The statement went on to applaud the Zimbabwe government for the recent "positive improvements" such as its new commitment to following SADC Electoral Guidelines, establishment of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, call for an end to violence and intimidation, and greater transparency in the voting process.

The AACC then urged the Zimbabwe government to listen carefully to the grave concerns that have been expressed by many, and that this would enable the development towards a democratic process.

"However, we wish to express our unease over conditions which have contributed to an unlevel playing field (i.e. suppression of independent media, concern over the voters roll, and oppressive laws such as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (AIPPA), and the NGO Bill)," said the statement.

In a call to all people of Zimbabwe the AACC statement concluded, "We recognise that the nation of Zimbabwe is still faced with a number of profound challenges and divisions, and it is our prayer that a way forward can be found which will help to address these through dialogue and negotiation. The call of the people of Zimbabwe is for a nation where peace and justice prevail. The All Africa Conference of Churches calls on the people of Zimbabwe and church in Zimbabwe to redouble their efforts towards reconciliation, thus strengthening their sense of nationhood as they tackle their problems together."