Zimbabwe President calls for peace before election

HARARE, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe on Sunday called for maintaining peace and stability ahead of the country's general elections.

Officiating at the 2012 Presidential Shooting Competition, Mugabe said it was not the responsibility of the security services alone to maintain peace. "We all can positively contribute to peace and stability through our actions or inaction," he said.

"Since we are preparing for elections, may I once more call upon all people to complement the security services in maintaining peace, security and stability," he added, urging that members of the public should shun violence before, during and after the elections.

Zimbabwe is drafting a new constitution after which general elections will be held likely early next year.

Mugabe said Zimbabweans must not take for granted, the peace they were currently enjoying. On-going conflicts in the Middle East demonstrated the need to cherish peace and stability, he said.

"Sad stories, caused by strife and conflict should serve as stark reminders for us to cherish the peace, security and stability that we enjoy. The sudden eruption of war can result in untold suffering, destruction of life and of a country's fundamental infrastructure," the president said.

Mugabe lauded the shooting competition which encouraged the security forces to continue sharpening their skills.

A total of 1 000 people, made up of 600 members of the security defence forces and 400 civilians participated in the shooting competition.