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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has warned members of the public against defacing or tampering with election campaign posters from political parties saying this is a criminal offence and an infringement of the rights of candidates.
Speaking during a multi-party meeting in Gwanda, Matabeleland South on Tuesday, ZEC provincial elections officer, Mr Rabson Nyoni, said the commission has received concerns over the vandalism of posters, which has the potential to stoke incidents of violence.
He urged political leaders to warn their supporters against this and advised those keen to place their posters to do so without removing those of other candidates or obstructing them.
“There is a problem of tampering with posters, which is rampant not only in our province but in other parts of the country as well. Some people are tearing up posters of other candidates while others are placing their posters over posters of others,” said Mr Nyoni.
“All posters are the same and candidates should be given an opportunity to solicit for votes using posters. As the leadership of various political parties let’s make a bold statement and speak against tampering with posters.
“If you are a candidate, make it clear to your supporters that they shouldn’t place your posters on top of posters of another candidate. Let’s also speak against defacing posters of other candidates. The issue of posters is causing a lot of conflicts in communities, which might compromise peace during election time. Let’s preach the gospel of peace and respect for others’ posters during our rallies,” he said.
Mr Nyoni said the presence of damaged posters communicates a wrong message to foreign observers.
He urged political parties to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful manner and respect each other.
Mr Nyoni gave a run-down of the election process from the time people will cast their votes up until the time the results are announced. He highlighted the procedures that will be followed in announcing the results at the council, national assembly and presidential level.
Mr Nyoni also urged political parties to understand and thoroughly study the electoral processes in order to avoid unnecessary hiccups or unlawful protests. “Let’s respect our election processes, the voters and the people who will be campaigning. Candidates are urged to campaign and solicit for votes in peace,” he said.
Online Reporter