The Election Resource Centre (ERC) has noted with grave concern the rising levels of police led oppression and intimidation which are characterising political and campaign activities ahead of the 2022 By-Elections. Incidents of what appear to be systematic abuse of the rule of law to deny the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and candidates the opportunity to campaign in line with section 67 of the Constitution has been reported across by-election areas over the past few weeks.
The protection of human and electoral rights is part and parcel of the exercise of police functions under section 219 (1) (e) of the Constitution. Police officers are the first line of defence in the protection of political rights especially in light of the upcoming by-election and must conduct themselves in a manner that promotes credible elections.
The ERC calls on the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure that the country remains committed to multiparty democracy and should refrain from exercising their powers in a manner that undermines the conditions conducive to open participation and free and fair elections. The ERC additionally calls on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to condemn in the strongest possible terms all conduct and behaviour that undermines our democratic.
Source: Election Resource Centre
