by Nobleman Runyanga

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has deployed election monitors throughout Zimbabwe to monitor, assess and ensure observance of human rights and freedoms during the forthcoming harmonised polls. The Commission revealed this in a media statement this week.

“The Commission has deployed a total of 23 teams spread across the ten provinces of Zimbabwe. Harare, Bulawayo, Matabeleland and Mashonaland provinces have two teams each while Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland have three each,” read part of the statement.

In addition to monitoring the elections, ZHRC notified that it would continue to discharge its non-election duties as usual.

“Apart from monitoring the political situation, the ZHRC teams will also be doing their usual duties of complaints handling and investigation, as well as human rights education and promotion as provided for in Section 243 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. ZHRC has been and will continue to visit communities and use all available media to give civic education to the grassroots,” said the Commission.

ZHRC advised members of the public that its members would be identified through their official accreditation material such as badges.

“The team members shall, at all times, be identified by their branded regalia, ZHRC identity cards and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) accreditation badges,” the Commission indicated.

The Commission stressed the need to observe everyone’s right to enjoy their political rights such as voting and campaigning freely.

“The Commission reiterates that every Zimbabwean citizen is entitled to the enjoyment of political rights enshrined in the Constitution, particularly Section 67 (1) (b) which guarantees every citizen the right to make political choices freely. Section 67 (2) (b) accords citizens the right to campaign freely and peacefully for a political party or cause, whilst Section 67 (2) (c) guarantees the right to participate in peaceful political activity,” said the Commission in the statement.