By Staff Reporter
POLICE bosses have advised provincial commanders to ensure that all political parties are allowed to hold rallies and if there are any valid reasons to prohibit them, they should consult the headquarters first.
In a leaked internal memo written to provincial police commanders, police bosses said banning political parties from holding rallies is against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s peace gospel and discredits the electoral process.
This comes at a time when the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has had six of its rallies banned last week.
“Of late, social media has been awash with incidents where some political parties claim to have been denied the right to hold their rallies by the police resulting in skirmishes.
“These skirmishes are discrediting the electoral processes, as such, commanders are requested to ensure that political parties are allowed to hold rallies unless there are very valid reasons to warrant such rejections.
“Under such circumstances, Regulating Authorities are urged to thoroughly consult before coming up with decisions to deny any political player an opportunity to hold a rally or meeting,” the memo reads.
Added the memo: ” Commanders should note that for elections to be deemed free, fair, peaceful and credible, the playing field should be reckoned as level, hence the police actions should not discredit the electoral processes.
“The regulatory authorities should acquaint themselves with the provisions of the Electoral Act and MOPA so as to make informed decisions. The purpose of this legal instrument is for the police to prepare and take actions aimed at ensuring that any political activity is done peacefully.””
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