The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has ordered provincial police commanders to allow opposition parties to hold their political rallies as the country prepares for the August 23 harmonised elections.
This comes after an outcry by the main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which accused the authorities of blocking several of its campaign rallies, most notably the party’s Bindura star rally which was slated for Sunday.
The CCC also accused the Police of blocking its Chiredzi gathering last week after the ZRP said it had no capacity to provide security as it was attending a clinic opening gathering that was reportedly being officiated by Masvingo Provincial Minister Ezra Chadzamira.
In a statement, the ZRP said continuous denial of permission for opposition parties to hold their rallies without a valid reason would work against the conduct of a free and fair electoral process.
The statement further said political parties are only prohibited from holding political gatherings if there are valid reasons.
“Commanders should note that for elections to be deemed free, fair, peaceful and credible, the playing field should be reckoned as level, hence the police actions should not discredit the electoral processes,” said the police.
The law enforcement authorities also advised its commanders to acquaint themselves with the electoral laws and regulations.
“The regulatory authorities should acquaint themselves with provisions of the Electoral Act and MOPA so as to make informed decisions,” read the statement.
Over the years opposition parties have accused the ZRP of conniving with the ruling Zanu Pf to deny them equal access to the electorate.
Renowned journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, in a recent tweet, suggested that African ambassadors had forced the ruling party to back down and allow the opposition to campaign freely.
“ZRP succumbed to pressure from election observers who ordered government to have a free and fair election.
“After pressure from some Election Observers and and some quiet words from African Ambassadors, the ZRP has issued a notice to its provincial commanders to allow opposition rallies to go ahead,” tweeted Chin’ono.