Police raise flag over posters, door-to-door campaigns, night rallies

Kadoma (New Ziana) -The Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned political parties and individuals against pasting posters on private premises, engaging in door-to-door campaigns as well as conducting night rallies.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued the warning while addressing participants at a workshop to train media practitioners on election and peace reporting which the Zimbabwe Media Commission and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) organized.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to the provisions of the Electoral Act, which outline the regulations governing campaign posters.

“We urge political parties to comply with the Electoral Act Chapter 2:3 in regard to campaign posters. This will assist in preventing some of the minor clashes that end up being reported to the police,” he said.

Political parties should also desist from the door-to-door campaigns which they were conducting in the lead up to the harmonised elections, as they had been known to ignite clashes between rival supporters, he warned.

From January to July 25 this year, Ass Comm Nyathi said the police had received 2 663 notifications of rallies and public gatherings from political parties, figures which underscore the need for effective management of campaign activities to maintain peace and order in the country.

A total of 2 369 notifications of rallies and public gatherings from political parties were cleared, indicating progress in the management of campaign activities leading up to the elections, he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peaceful environment, which he said was conducive for the holding of credible and fair elections.

He said while isolated cases of political clashes have occurred, they have not significantly impacted the overall peaceful environment in the country.

“All in all, the country has recorded isolated cases of political clashes, but from the security point of view, they are not affecting the peaceful environment that the country is enjoying,” he said.

Ass Comm Nyathi urged media organisations to ensure that their journalists adhere to provisions of the Electoral Law while covering political events.

He reiterated the commitment of the police to ensuring a peaceful electoral process and urged all stakeholders to prioritise the promotion of harmony and non-violence.

New Ziana