Will code of conduct curb political violence?

Similar measures taken in the past, like the formation of political liaison committees, failed to put an end to political violence. For this reason, some analysts question whether the code of conduct will be the solution or it will go down as a high-sounding document that carries little significance on the ground.

Most elections held since 2000 have seen political violence occurring, with many people losing property, being injured and others being killed.

The June 2008 presidential election run-off was no different.

Under the new initiative, political parties would be held accountable for their supporters’ violent conduct.

A key difference between the latest thrust and previous ones is that the Government is coming up with a law prescribing punishment for perpetrators and their leaders.

Dr Joseph Kurebwa, a political science lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, said the code of conduct was a good instrument to curb violence adding that political leaders are mostly the perpetrators and instigators of violence. He called upon the Government to equip police.

“Police have the duty to maintain peace but it should also be the priority of each citizen to preserve law and order,” he said.

“The document is definitely going to make a change. Violence is perpetuated directly by activists and indirectly by leaders. The document seeks to punish both direct and indirect perpetrators of violence.”

Political, religious and civic leaders have for long, been preaching peace.  President Mugabe has used key platforms to denounce violence.  Recently, at the burial of Vice-President Landa John Nkomo at the National Heroes’ Acre, he urged people to shun violence during elections.

Four years ago, President Mugabe proclaimed 24, 25 and 26 July 2009 as peace days. In that same year, principals in the Inclusive Government led a peace observation conference in Harare.

Another political analyst who chose anonymity said while it is positive that political leaders would be held accountable for the behaviour of their activists, it is the violent activists themselves who must face the music.

“Individuals who commit crime must not hide behind any political party. Those who commit crime must face the music. The law stipulates that any person who commits crime before, during or after elections should be arrested. This code of conduct is just repeating what is contained in the law.”

Mr Blessing Vava, a political analyst echoed the  same view, saying blaming political parties for their party supporters’  shortcomings does not make sense.

“Political parties are not violent but individuals are the ones who are a problem. Any person whether from the two MDC formations or Zanu-PF should be arrested and it should not be directed at any political party,” he said.

The code of conduct comes at a time the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has tightened its own electoral code of conduct for political parties and candidates as efforts to foster tolerance.

Police in every province will be required to set up a special unit to quickly investigate cases of violence and voter intimidation. Courts could impose special penalties for those convicted of an offence involving political violence or intimidation.

Some of them would prohibit the offender from campaigning or taking any further part during the particular election period.

Anyone who commits political violence faces, in addition to a sentence imposed by the special court, a five-year ban by the High Court from voting or standing for any election.

Mr Alois Dzvairo, the National Constitutional Assembly youth chairperson said it is “mockery” for the code to summon and sanction parties for their supporters’ deviant behaviour.

This, he said is a significant weakness of the code of conduct as it is unclear exactly who, among the leaders, would bear the punishment.

“Any political party might claim that the deviant group is not part of their supporters. They will say that those are people who were dressed in our regalia to tarnish our image.

“It might be tangible if they say district chairperson is responsible because he/she is always with the people,” he said.

The code compels political parties to publicly campaign against violence.  It also encourages political parties to desist from bribery to garner votes.

The code of conduct further states that leaders of political parties will be compelled to issue directives forbidding the intimidation of opponents.

Ultimately, Mr Vava said he does not see the code curbing violence.

“This code of conduct is not going to be of much  use. There is need for political will among political parties.

“All political parties should instil the spirit of working together to their supporters. Party members should not beat their opposition for their choices,” he said.

He called for more resources to police and for political parties to instil a culture of political tolerance among their supporters.

Mr Dzvairo urged political parties to “walk the talk.”  He said it is important for leaders of parties to publicly denounce violence and go beyond that to sit down with their supporters and put stringent measures for perpetrators of violence.