BIDI ACTION TEAMS GEARED FOR ELECTORAL CHARTER

Following a Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Team meeting held at Matobo ward 8 yesterday, the ward action team and local leadership are now set for the finalization and subsequent presentation of the community electoral charter. Speaking to Habakkuk Trust Information Department after the meeting, the Acting Headman Mr Simon Ndiweni narrated that ‘today’s meeting was an excellent one as we come up with something new in this community and the District at large. These electoral charter am confident will change the way we handle our electoral politics and our development agenda from now on’ The headman further explained that lack of clarity on issues, focused agendas and developmental vision has been the cause for electoral violence in the area and the country as a whole. ‘You see the main cause of electoral violence in this country is that we just put everyone and anyone to be a candidate. Some of the people when they see that they have nothing tangible to offer the electorate then they hire youths to intimidate and threaten political opponents. With these charters, am seeing politicians dancing to the tune of the electorate and this will minimize violence.’ Mr Ndiweni further called on Habakkuk to roll this concept to many areas of Zimbabwe and as well conduct trainings for the youths and the candidates so that they avoid violence. His sentiments were also echoed by Action Team Vice Convenor Mrs Tendayi Ndebele who said that ‘voting in peace is everyone’s duty. As an action team we are now challenged by this electoral charter and though we came up with some draft input today, we shall consult more and ensure that it is more detailed so that we create a new legacy for our children and our grand children.’ The formation of electoral charters is part of Habakkuk Trust’s programming meant to enhance peaceful citizen participation in key decision making processes. Specifically driven by Action Teams, this programme will entail the formulation of electoral citizen charters that will be accented to by community leaders and election candidates. Action Teams have also called for the programme to facilitate joint rallies where candidates will answer the communities on key developmental issues affecting the citizens.