By A Correspondent- Forus party has blasted inciteful hate speech by leaders of political parties calling on everyone wh addresses poltical gatherings susch as rallies to stop fuelling politically motivated violence through chanting hate speech.
Said the party in a statement:
A few days ago, the current Vice president Constantino Chiwenga was captured live on camera saying he will crush the opposition like lice and only made a u-turn on his statement following a public outcry.
This afternoon, Robert Mugabe , son to the late former president Robert Mugabe was captured live on camera at the Chitungwiza rally chanting “Pasi nemhandu” a statement pregnant with intolerance to divergent opposition voices.
The FORUS believes that the statement not only evokes memories of political intolerance but the politically motivated violence targeting opposition political party stalwarts in previous elections especially the 2008 era.
Supporters of opposition political parties were targeted by Zanu PF militia because party heavyweights perceived opposition supporters as mhandu or enemies of Zimbabwe which is not true.
Our party thus believes that leaders and those who address political gatherings such as rallies should not chant statements that incite violence.
The statement ‘Pasi nemhandu’ envokes a sense of instability and perpetuates political violence
We believe that having a different political view does not qualify one as an enemy.
Zimbabwe is our nation and political intolerance breeds instability which has ripple negative effects on development and peace and tranquility.
It is equally important to note that our supreme law (Constitution) allows for the formation of opposition political parties and guarantees the safety of those who support them.
It is therefore important for all political parties to appreciate and recognise that no one has monopoly over the formation of political parties and parties should win the people’s heart not through intimidation or violence.
Let’s all speak with one voice against political violence.
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