by Senior reporter
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF)’s role in the forthcoming national elections and other polls is dictated by the Constitution.
This was stated by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Spokesman, Colonel Overson Mugwisi during a press conference at the ZDF’s Defence House building in Harare yesterday.
“Members of the public should be made aware that ZDF has no direct role in the upcoming harmonised elections,” said Col Mugwisi.
He indicated that the force was ready to help other security institutions when need arose.
“Our role in the elections is mainly to support the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in their role of the maintenance of law and order in the country before, during and after harmonised elections. Beyond that, the ZDF remains ready to defend our country’s territorial integrity and interests,” he said.
Col Mugwisi quashed unconfirmed claims mainly from the opposition that the ZDF had deployed its personnel in some rural areas to intimidate the electorate.
“We urge people who are not sure or doubt the genuine role being played by the ZDF in this election to feel free to check with us and clear their suspicions. If some serving members are participating in the ongoing political campaigns, they will be doing so illegally and not as a result of an instruction from their commanders.
“Those with information on such misconduct should provide us with full details of such individuals to enable appropriate disciplinary action to be taken against them. They can report the suspicious characters to the nearest police station,” he highlighted.
The ZDF Spokesman also clarified the presence of some army personnel at some campaign rallies.
“ZDF members at political rallies attended by VIPS and VVIPS should not be misconstrued to be participating in political activities as these are some of our official duties,” Col Mugwisi said.
Commenting on the participation of retired ZDF members in national politics, Col Mugwisi highlighted that the Constitution allowed them to do so.
“As for retired members, they are not excluded from active participation in national politics. According to Chapter 4, Part 2, Section 67 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, members of the ZDF like other citizens, have democratic rights to participate in national elections. Chapter 6, Part 4, Section 125 of the Constitution does not exempt any category of citizens including retired ZDF members from participating in political activities and holding such offices,” he said.
The ZDF statement comes on the back of falsehoods which some sections of the private media and the opposition have been peddling about the force’s role in both the preparations for and the running of the forthcoming elections.
