In order to bring together Zimbabweans across the entire country, Voices for Peace is using a unique combination of communications technology channels. The effect that online social media is having on this election is to promote a freedom of opinion never seen before and to provide a platform for more transparency in the political process.
The campaign utilises a variety of online social media spaces and combines them resources with radio, print and mobile phone technology.
“With free phone calls to sign the petition, every Zimbabwean and citizen of the world in possession of a mobile phone is able to make their voice heard,” said Technical coordinator Richard Jolley.
Amnesty International reports that during the second round of the 2008 Presidential elections, more than 200 people were killed in state-sponsored violence, while thousands more were tortured and injured.
To date, no police investigations have been undertaken, nor arrests made or charges laid, concerning the violence surrounding the run-off election and the years before.
Barnaby Locke, content manager for the campaign, believes that the introduction of Zimbabwe’s new constitution gives the government an opportunity to usher in a new era of constitutionalism and adherence to human rights beyond the established culture of violence. In order for the constitution’s reforms to be effective, political actors need to be accountable to the will of the people and respect the rule of law, he added.
With reports of violence already coming through from the primary elections, Beyond Violence stresses that this is a crucial time for joining voices to show perpetrators that violence will not be tolerated.
The feedback from the petition has already started coming in strongly. One campaign supporter states “As a Zimbabwean I do and strongly voice against the torture of my fellow brother, sister, mother and everyone.” She goes on to note that “I have seen an individual using a political party’s name to influence fear and intimidate people… I call for peace and unity.” As Zimbabweans rally behind the stand for non-violence, other supporters have joined in. “Zimbabwe is a country which is being led by Spirit. No to violence!!”
By combining this kind of local and international pressure, supporters can end violence in Zimbabwe. Beyond Violence urges everyone to join them by signing their petition and following campaign updates.
Make a free phone call to sign the petition (you will receive a text message): +263 77 15 75 004, +263 77 15 75 001
Or visit: www.causes.com/zimbabwe
Follow the movement and join the discussion on peaceful elections on:
www.facebook.com/beyondviolenceorg
Post published in: News