The rights to the freedom of assembly and association as well as the personal security of
citizens, particularly vendors, have been violated during this election season. Vendors have
been coerced into attending political party rallies throughout the ten provinces against their
choice. Their livelihoods and businesses have suffered as a result. In order to make ends meet,
many people, particularly women, eke a living as vendors. As a result, many families are likely to
experience food shortages due to the violation of vendors' rights and forced closure of
businesses, which will place an even greater pressure on the women who are usually
caregivers. Owners of businesses linked to opposing parties have experienced intimidation and
vandalism.
Nullified Opposition candidates’ nomination
On 12 July 2023 the high court nullified Saviour
Kasukuwere’s nomination for president. The former
Zanu PF political commissar Kasukuwere accused
Zanu PF of utilising the legal system as a
battlefield for political conflicts. On 27 July, the
High Court pronounced that 12 CCC candidates
could not run for the National Assembly since they
submitted their papers after the 4 pm deadline.
The CCC's spokesperson, Fadzai Mahere, emphasised that the decision would be
challenged since it was unconstitutional. Elisabeth Valerio, who is the only female
presidential candidate in 2023, challenged the nullification of her nomination on the basis
she wanted to use local currebcy to pay for her nomination fees. She stated that the
nullification was unconstitutional and would appeal against the decision.
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.
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