The Election Resource Centre raised concern over continued intimidation of its accredited observers
and staff who observed the 2023 harmonised elections. ERC noted with concern that some of their
observers were summoned back to polling stations to sign “new” V11 results forms on the basis that
there were errors on previous ones. In other instances, some were allegedly summoned to bring any
phone they used to communicate with the ERC office on election day. ERC confirmed in a
statement that other observers were summoned over the phone while some victims from Karoi,
Kariba, and Makoni were visited at their homesteads in violation of their right to personal security.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) are enemies of the State or agents of regime change as
perceived by some politicians. CSOs have a key role to play in any democracy particularly in holding
the government to account, and in complementing the work of the government in all sectors of the
economy. Through sustainable solutions in a number of industries, including banking, education, and
healthcare, CSOs initiatives have improved individuals' quality of life both directly and indirectly.
Other initiatives by CSOs have been environmental preservation, social justice, advocacy, and
protection of human rights, as well as the advancement of societal growth, community betterment,
and citizen involvement. Given how important this role is, it is demoralising that despite their
enormous contributions, the government and the ruling party erroneously perceive the activity of civil
society organisations as a threat to their power.
Recommendations
ZPP calls upon the government to promote the work of civil society organisations by allowing them
to carry out their watchdog role without being singled out for criticism.
The untimely death of Tinashe Chitsunge
A case on the right to life was reported in Glen
Norah constituency in Glenview 7 on 3 August 2023.
CCC activist Tinashe Chitsunge was allegedly
assaulted and succumbed to the injuries by
suspected Zanu PF activists. Reports allege that the
victim was attacked by suspected Zanu PF youths on
his way to a rally scheduled for Churu constituency
on 3 August.
On their way to the rally, CCC members were reportedly ambushed by some ruling party youths in
Glenview 7 while some were assaulted including CCC youth assembly member Womberaishe
Nhende. Chitsunge was allegedly assaulted and left in a pool of blood by ruling party youths. Police
confirmed the incident in a statement and said investigations were underway. However, following
increased pressure on social media, the Police Commissioner General Goodwin Matanga allegedly
said Chitsunge was run over by a moving truck and succumbed due to injuries. The narrative was
widely refuted by citizens and eyewitnesses. Chitsunge, who is survived by his spouse and children,
was buried in his rural village of Buhera on 7 August.
Recommendations
1) Political parties should engage their supporters and discourage the use of violence as a campaign
strategy and means of settling political tensions
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