It is worrying that Zanu PF has set up internal structures to intimidate and
silence its own supporters 2 months before the 2023 general elections.
The trend is likely to spill over and influence a violent environment. ZPP
calls upon political parties to reign in their leaders and supporters to desist
from systematic use of threats and inflammatory statements which violate
citizens' political rights. Section 67 of the constitution sets out the political
rights of Zimbabwean citizens. Citizens have the right to stand for public
office and, if elected, to hold public office. Section 133C of the Electoral
Act also provides that a person who, through intimidation, prevents or
obstructs or attempts to prevent or obstruct a political party or candidate
from campaigning in any election shall be guilty of an offence and liable to
a fine not exceeding level ten or to imprisonment.
CCC CANDIDATE SELECTION
EXERCISE IN CHAOS
The Citizen Coalition for Change candidate selection process which was
concluded in June was marred by chaotic incidences of violence and
clashes pitting some senior politicians against each other after the
delimitation of electoral boundaries by ZEC. In Harare, Tendai Biti clashed
with Harare North legislator Allan Norman "Rusty" Markham after his
constituency was merged with Biti's Harare East constituency. Biti, who
strongly resisted to contest for a Senatorial seat instead of a House of
Assembly seat to open a slot for Markham called Markham a snake, whose
head must be crushed. Some racial and hate language was also used when
reference was made to ‘vasina mabvi’ (meaning those without knees a
common description of white people who were always in trousers hiding
their knees). In Highfield West, there was chaos during a CCC candidate
nomination meeting for wards 24, 25 and 26 at Lusaka Community Centre
on 18 June. It is alleged that Mbwende, an aspiring candidate was
disqualified for violence while Erick Murai and Lovelorn Makuwerere were
among nominees for parliamentary positions. However, the process was
marred by verbal altercations following complaints of unfairness of the
process. Although there were no visible incidents of physical violence, there
were serious altercations during and after the meetings. ZPP condemns
hate speech and violence which is common in opposition and ruling parties
in varying scales. ZPP believes that hate speech has the potential to incite
public violence and is harmful. Political parties and their leaders must strike
a balance between freedom of expression and freedom of the media and
hate language. There is need for political parties and leaders to use
responsible language and desist from using inflammatory language which
breeds violent conflict.
The Monthly Monitoring Report (MMR) is a publication produced by the ZPP
which documents all forms of human rights abuses including political and/or
electoral violence in this electoral period. The report creates awareness
about social, political, economic, civic, and cultural rights. It is also used to
initiate advocacy efforts with different stakeholders. Prior to the elections,
ZPP has launched the #RRRV2023 campaign to encourage citizens to Resist,
Reject, and Report violence. The campaign seeks to advocate for an
environment conducive for free, fair and credible elections. The campaign is
designed to allow voters to report violence which they experience and
witness while also raising awareness and responsiveness levels to put
pressure on duty-bearers to be accountable for their actions.
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