CAMPAIGNS AND ENVIRONMENT
Zanu PF Chipinge rally
Suspicions and tensions escalated in the communities as political parties heightened
their campaign activities. The environment became hostile especially for opposition
parties. On 24 June Zanu PF convened a campaign rally in Chipinge at Mutema
Secondary. The event was graced by senior Zanu PF politburo members led by
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantine Chiwenga and
Minister of Information Broadcasting and Publishing Services Monica Mutsvangwa.
Despite President Mnangagwa unveiling ambulances and hospital equipment at St
Peter's Hospital in Checheche, many people were forced to attend the campaign
rally. It is said that people were forced to attend the rally by Zanu PF officials who
included district, youth and women’s league chairpersons. At a local meeting held in
ward 18 and 19 in Chipinge East, residents were told to attend the rally without fail.
Zanu PF officials were quoted at the meeting saying “munhu wese ngaeende,
mabhazi tinokupai tikakuona uri pamba tiri kurova, midhudhudhu takapiwa nezwese
zwekutakurisa. Pakuvhota tichatarisa vese vasinakuenda tichitaka munhu”(meaning
everyone must attend the rally, buses have been availed to ferry people, and that
some were also given motorcycles to ferry people. If citizens are seen in their
homes, they will be dealt with and at polling stations they will identify those who will
not vote to punish them). Many people reportedly attended the rally in fear. Public
resources such as Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) and school buses
were assigned to ferry people to the rally. However, after the rally, many people
were dropped off before reaching their destination, while others had to find their
way back home on foot. ZPP identified some of the branded school buses which
were from Mt Selinda High and Gazaland High School.
In Buhera West ward 14 at Murambinda Growth Point, villagers were forced to board
ZUPCO buses assigned to ferry them to the rally. Even vendors were warned that
they risked losing their vending spaces if they failed to take heed of the call. Zanu PF
youths and some traditional leaders particularly village heads and secretaries were
mapped among the perpetrators who force marched many people to attend against
their will. ZPP implores the ruling Zanu PF party to respect the political rights of
citizens. The systematic use of threats and intimidation to drive people to attend
political activities against their will violates citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly
and association and rights to personal security. Section 67 of the constitution sets
out the political rights of Zimbabwean citizens. Citizens have the right to free, fair
and regular elections and referendums and adults have the right to vote in elections
and referendums. They may also stand for public office and, if elected, to hold public
office. In terms of Section 67(2) (a) of the Constitution, Zimbabweans have the right
to form political parties or to belong to political parties of their choice. Political
parties and candidates for election have the right to campaign peacefully and to
have access to the media to disseminate information to the electorate about their
policies.
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