HARARE, Zimbabwe, Mar. 6 — As Zimbabweans prepare to go to the polls this weekend amid mounting tension and uncertainty, the Bible Society of Zimbabwe began distributing a Scripture Selection entitled God's Choice for President.
The Scripture is designed to "challenge the population to use biblical leadership as the yardstick for deciding on their choice during the election," said Edward Mutema, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Zimbabwe.
100,000 copies are being distributed free to voters through individual churches, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, a non-governmental coalition involved in monitoring the election process and educating voters. Copies will also be distributed through bookshops around the country which sell Bible Society products.
The introduction reads, "God appoints leaders of his own choice. In the Bible, God chose men and women who were honest, committed, focused and with a sense of vision, purpose and calling." It then goes on to give examples of key leaders in the Bible, including Abraham, Moses, Esther, Daniel and Jesus himself, and provides readings which illustrate the qualities they possessed.
"Please pray that those who read this Selection will really take its message to heart," Mr Mutema said. "As well as distributing them to voters, we are also hoping to present copies to the presidential candidates." He added that he was planning to deliver the copies to the candidates' offices in person early this week.
Mugabe's 22 Year Rule Challenged
The approaching presidential elections, the first in which President Robert Mugabe is facing a serious challenge to his 22-year rule, have brought political tension in the country to a height unseen since the early 1980s. The last few weeks have seen a sharp rise in violence and there is growing international pressure on Mr Mugabe to make the election process free and fair.
The European Union withdrew its election observers after the head of its election observer mission was expelled from the country, and has declared targeted sanctions on Mr Mugabe and top officials in his government. In a recent development, the main opposition presidential candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai, is being investigated for allegedly plotting to 'eliminate' the president.
Political instability has wreaked havoc with the economy, which is said to have shrunk by one fifth over the past three years. Inflation is running at more than 100 per cent and unemployment has hit 60 per cent.
More than half a million people are threatened by starvation and many others are living below the poverty line. Concerted efforts are being made by the government to import much-needed maize, which is the staple food for the majority of the population.
"In this anxious and unsure environment, please pray that the Bible Society remains a beacon of light," said Mr Mutema.
Source: United Bible Societies, Bible Network News
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