By Takudzwa Changadeya
Opposition Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has condemned the ruling Zanu-PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his reported practice of coercing citizens into attending his political rallies.
The alleged forceful tactics during this campaign season by Mnangagwa and his party members have raised concerns over the infringement of citizens’ freedom and rights, Chamisa said.
Addressing crowds on Sunday in Marondera, Chamisa said citizens should express their support or opposition without fear of repercussions.
“I was in Mberengwa and other rural areas, headsman and residents are living in fear as they are being coerced to attend rallies.
“Zanu-PF’s tactics of forcing attendance at rallies have implications on the democratic process and we are against that.
“We should not arm-twist citizens to attend our rallies, people should come out of their willingness, not like what is being done by Zanu-Pf,” Chamisa said.
Reports have been emerging, suggesting that citizens are being coerced or even threatened with punishment if they fail to attend Mnangagwa’s rallies.
Chamisa added that as Zimbabwe moves towards the elections scheduled for August 23, it is critical that the principles of democracy, including the freedom of choice, are upheld and protected.
“This practice of coercion and intimidation by Zanu-Pf is suppressing genuine political engagement, thereby thwarting democracy as it deprive citizens of their rights, particularly the right to freely choose whether or not to participate in a certain political party.
Chamisa also condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to bar Saviour Kasukuwere from contesting in the upcoming elections.
Kasukuwere, a former member of Mnangagwa’s ruling party ZANU-PF, had expressed his intention to run for public office, but his aspirations were abruptly thwarted.
A Zanu-PF PF activist, Lovedale Mangwana had challenged Kasukuwe’s candidature arguing that he ceased to be a registered voter having spent over 18 months outside the country.
Mangwana added that Kasukuwere had violated the constitution and the electoral law by filing his name for nomination.
“I don’t agree with Kasukuwere but what they did to him was wrong. The decision to prevent Kasukuwere from participating in the electoral process is a clear demonstration of the ruling party’s fear of legitimate competition.
“The government has once again shown its reluctance to embrace a level playing political arenas and allow the fair expression of diverse political opinions,” Chamisa said.
As the country heads towards another crucial general election, the controversy surrounding Kasukuwere’s exclusion highlights the need for a fair and inclusive electoral environment, Chamisa added.
