Political parties warned

POLICE in Mashonaland Central have called on all political parties to desist from the habit of vandalising, destroying or defacing campaign material and property of opponents.

Addressing representatives of political parties at Mashonaland Central Police Headquarters last week, Officer Commanding Operations in the province, Assistant Commissioner Sydney Thathe, said the police officers would not tolerate any forms of violence and would arrest all perpetrators regardless of their social standing and stature.

“Police will avoid fraternisation with any political party in any way that could be interpreted as capable of compromising their impartiality.

“We will be equally fair, courteous and if necessary, firm to all persons in their vicinity of deployment without concern for the party to which they belong, their political or other opinions, religious, ethnic groups, place of origin, gender, wealth or other status,” he said. Asst Comm Thathe promised all political parties that the police would be prompt in responding to any form of incidences which could escalate if not properly handled at the polling and counting centres.

“Police will be alert in noticing and preventing incidents that could lead to disruption of voting and associated electoral process.

“We will always strive to be fair to all and to avoid conduct that could be seen as high-handed, unfair or politically motivated,” he added.

Turning to the law enforcement agents’ expectations from political parties, Asst Comm Thathe urged them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“We urge political parties to shun hate speech which ignites inter-party and intra-party political violence. They should solve political problems through dialogue and co-operation with other stakeholders under the leadership of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

“Parties should also demonstrate political tolerance and accommodate politically divergent views,” said Asst Comm Thathe.