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Anglicans in Zimbabwe and Kenya address upcoming elections
2002-031-6
2/4/2002
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[Episcopal News Service]
The Anglican Council of Zimbabwe and the primate of the Church in Kenya have expressed hopes and concerns about upcoming presidential elections.
In Zimbabwe, Anglicans said in a statement that they were 'alarmed at the wanton violence that is tearing the country apart. We appeal for a culture of tolerance amongst the contestants. There should be an end to violence and the state machinery must deal firmly with the offenders without fear or favor.'
The statement also said that 'all players must be granted equal coverage on the media. All should be allowed to hold their rallies without disruption. Parties should be able to state their views, positions and present their manifestoes, thereby giving the electorate options from which to choose.'
The statement also appealed to political leaders 'to refrain from inflammatory and derogatory language which may stir the flames of violence... People should speak freely, choose freely and vote freely for a brighter future that lies ahead for Zimbabwe.'
Archbishop David Gitari, the primate of the Anglican Church of Kenya, cautioned his country's government to guard against a resurgence of ethnic clashes leading to the general election. He lamented that 'ethnic cleansing' had become a tradition since the advent of a multi-party political system.
'Why should there always be ethnic clashes, especially in the Rift Valley, instigated by politicians?' he asked in a sermon. He said that a government that did not protect its people had no reason for being in power and those who ascend to power through 'blood votes' were sinners.
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