adminChinhoyi Bureau
POLICE in Mashonaland West are geared to play their part in supporting the holding of free, fair and credible elections in line with President Mnangagwa’s pledge, a senior police officer has said.
Addressing a stakeholders’ meeting, including representatives of political parties in Chinhoyi recently, officer commanding crime and operations Assistant Commissioner Thulani Ncube said political parties should freely conduct their business within the confines of the law.
“We are all in the new dispensation. Do not expect the police to fail you when we are all oriented to do our job in the right way by following the principles of our Constitution.
“I assure you that all your fears will be allayed. Where you have a problem, police have a commander (for the) harmonised elections.”
Asst Comm Ncube said the office was created to receive complaints related to the elections before, during and after the polls.
President Mnangagwa has pledged to ensure a free, fair and credible election which has seen Government extending invitations to every country and organisation interested in monitoring the elections.
This has seen swift action being taken against any individual accused of committing acts of violence or intimidation.
Stakeholders, Asst Comm Ncube said, have a key role to play in ensuring that the elections are conducted according to provisions of the law.
“It is our ardent hope and expectation that all stakeholders will endeavour to operate within the confines of the law so that our elections are conducted in a free and peaceful environment before, during and after the plebiscite,” he said.
“As police, we do not operate in isolation, but with you (political parties), and other stakeholders. Everyone has a role to play in respect of these preparations.”
Political parties present included the ruling Zanu-PF, Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) and Zimbabwe Partnership for Prosperity (ZIPP).
Represented opposition parties had raised concerns about perceived police partiality in handling politically related issues.
TZ representative Mr Rueben Zhiva welcomed the interactive meetings saying their suggestions should be taken on board to ensure that every party has a chance to participate freely.
“While we welcome this development, the ball lies in the court of the police who can ensure that every party and its members are treated fairly,” said Mr Zhiva.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has released a template that will guide the conduct of elections and how stakeholders, including political parties and the media, should carry themselves.
Online Reporter