Staff Reporter        

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has clarified on the presence of police officers at polling stations and voting by illiterate and physically handicapped voters.

In a statement yesterday, the ZRP stated that the police officers at polling stations were there to witness the illiterate or physically handicapped getting assistance from the Presiding Officers as proclaimed by the Electoral Act, Chapter 2:13.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is aware of allegations made by some political parties and civic organizations to some observers concerning police officers` role and voting by illiterate or physically handicapped voters.

“According to the Electoral Act, Chapter 2:13, section 59 (1) (b), in a situation where an illiterate or handicapped voter does not have a person of his or her own choice (confidante) to assist him or her to exercise a right to vote in the presence of two electoral officers or employees of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and a police officer on duty,” reads the statement.

The ZRP indicated that police officers did not give any assistance to the physically handicapped.

“This specific assistance given to a voter is not done by a police officer. It is actually the mandate of the Presiding Officer who will assist in the presence of electoral officers and a police officer.

“The police officer is called to ensure law and order is maintained. Thereafter, the Presiding Officer must record particulars of the assisted voter in terms of the Electoral Act, Chapter 2:13,”reads the statement.

Meanwhile, the ZRP has assured the public that it was ready to ensure a peaceful environment in the country during and after Harmonized General Elections scheduled for this Wednesday.. The ZRP has further implored political parties to be exemplary in conduct and avoid the use of inflammatory or divisive language in their messages to the public.