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In a statement yesterday, the principals of the Organ for National Healing and Integration, Organ Chairperson Vice President Landa John Nkomo (Zanu PF), the co-Ministers of State in the Organ, Moses Mzila-Ndlovu (MDC) and Sekai Holland (MDC-T) said the political parties were reminded of their obligation of enhancing free political activity.
“The political parties are once again reminded of their obligation as provided under Article X, Free Political Activity.
“Recognising that the right to canvas and freely mobilise for political support is the cornerstone of any multi-party democratic system, the parties have agreed that there should be free political activity throughout Zimbabwe within the realm of the law.
“Political parties under the Global Political Agreement (GPA) agreed that there should be free political activity in Zimbabwe. Under the framework political parties are able to propagate their views and canvass for support free of harassment and intimidation.
“Further to the forthgoing was an Anti-Violence Indaba held in November 2011. It is anticipated that the signing of the code of conduct will enable political parties to effectively use provisions of this statement in advocating for inter and intra political party engagements in order to curb political violence,” said organ’s principals in the statement.
The outcry comes at a time when there are reports that cases of violence are on the increase.
The Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (Jomic) has called on party leaders to back calls against political violence with concrete action and “immediately” hold joint rallies to help end clashes between their supporters across the country.
President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai have also called for an end to political violence and are set to hold joint rallies to end political violence during the pre-election stage.
Online Reporter