Fredrick Moyo
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) says it is much concerned over the recent cases of politically motivated violence that has resulted in loss of human life as has been reported in the media.
In a statement released on March 3, 2022, ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba said the commission strongly condemns and abhors acts of violence which negatively impact the electoral environment as the country head towards the March 26 by-elections.
“The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is concerned over cases of politically motivated violence recently reported in the media and is especially saddened by resultant loss of life during a rally held in Kwekwe and extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
“The Commission condemns and abhors in the strongest terms such as acts of violence which have the effect of marring and negatively impacting the electoral environment in build up to the by-elections set for the 26th of March 2022,” read part of the statement.
Chigumba went on to say that it is intimidating that such acts of violence are taking place despite the commission’s appeal to political parties to adhere to the code of conduct.
“It is disheartening to note that such acts of violence are taking place notwithstanding the commission’s plea at a recently held Multi-party Liaison Meeting where political parties were advised to adhere to the political parties’ code of conduct,” added the statement.
The commission said it will not stop its calls for tolerance by political parties and stakeholders and urged political parties to deal with office-bearers, members and supporters who contravene the code of conduct.
“The commission would like to reiterate its calls for tolerance by all political parties and election stakeholders and urges all political parties as well as candidates to adhere to the code of conduct and also implored political parties to discipline their office-bearers, members, supporters and candidates who contravene the Code and the laws of the land.
The commission urged those victims of electoral and politically motivated violence to report such cases to the police and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission for investigation and redress as it is everybody’s responsibility to promote an environment conducive to hold free and fair elections.
Recently, police in Gokwe used water cannons, teargas and batons to disperse a gathering of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters and in Kwekwe a CCC supporter was stabbed to death while others were injured when suspected armed ZANU PF activists stormed a rally at Mbizo 4 Shopping Centre.
