Political reporter
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has condemned politically motivated violence in the country following the subsequent loss of life during a CCC Kwekwe rally, last week.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting held with the Parliamentary Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs today, ZEC Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba said, “The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is concerned over cases of politically motivated violence recently reported in the media and is especially saddened by the resultant loss of life during a rally held in Kwekwe and extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
“The Commission condemns and abhors in the strongest terms such acts of violence which have the effect of marring and negatively impacting the electoral environment in the build up to the by-elections set for the 26th of March 2022. It is disheartening to note that such acts of violence are taking place notwithstanding the Commission`s plea at a recently held Multi-party Liaison Meeting where political parties were advised to adhere to the Political Parties Code of Conduct set out in the Fourth Schedule of the Electoral Act and to which their candidates made an undertaking to comply with when they submitted their nomination papers.”
She urged political parties and candidates to adhere to the Political Parties Code of Conduct, adding that it is everybody`s responsibility to promote an environment conducive to the holding of free and fair elections and a climate of tolerance in which electioneering activities may take place without fear or coercion, intimidation or reprisals.
Justice Chigumba condemned social media for publishing false information which is misleading to the public.
“I am sure you have heard or read a lot in the media especially the social media on issues concerning the forthcoming by-elections, the voter registration blitz as well as the voters’ roll. However, the manner in which some of the information is presented is often misleading to our people. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is aware that it is accountable to Parliament on matters concerning its mandate and is therefore comfortable to request for such sessions where it can brief the August House through your Committee.
“Responding to issues via social media would be disrespecting the very structures such as yours that were established for that cause in the first place,” said Chigumba.
