In Manicaland Mutare Central, it is alleged that Zanu PF activists disrupted a Citizens’
Coalition for Change campaign on 22 July. Ruling party youths allegedly mobilised by Zanu
PF leaders Esau Mupfumi and Binali Yard perpetrated violence forcing CCC to abandon
their campaign launch at Beithall Sakubva in Mutare Central. It is alleged that Mupfumi and
Yard bused youths from Penhalonga who blocked the CCC event barricading roads in
Sakubva. It is said a Zanu PF member Newton Tagariremo from ward 3 Chinyausunzi chased
CCC Mutare Central aspiring legislator Brian James' driver with a matchet and iron bars but
the driver escaped. The launch which was set to be addressed by Brian James was aborted.
In Mashonaland Central, on 9 July, the opposition CCC rallies scheduled for Mazowe
Central and Bindura were barred by the police on unclear circumstances while Zanu PF
solely continued to enjoy the right to freedom of assembly and association. Mashonaland
Central province officer commanding police Mazowe District, Chief Superintendent
Masimba E barred the CCC Mazowe Central rally citing that the venue had already been
booked by another political party. The same was the case in Bindura as the police alleged
that Bindura municipal council was yet to complete some renovations at the stadium. CCC
spokesperson Advocate Fadzai Mahere confirmed the banning of CCC rallies in a
statement.
It is worrying to note that the politics of intimidation and harassment of people has been
used as a catalyst by Zanu PF to instil fear in the electorate. In most instances, people in
rural communities have been threatened with violence worse than that of 2008 if the ruling
party loses the 2023 general elections. This has resulted in many people living in fear.
ZPP calls upon political parties to respect citizen's fundamental political rights and rights to
freedom of assembly and association. Section 67 of the Zimbabwe Constitution sets out the
political rights of Zimbabwean citizens. Subject to the constitution, they 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.
Vendors frog marched to rallies
Page 11