It is believed ZANU PF senators including Speaker Edna Madzongwe are blocking debate to pass the bill so as to use the current draconian law in disturbing campaigns of other political parties in the build up to the forthcoming elections.
Among other oppressive things, the present POSA law drafted by ZANU PF spin doctor Jonathan Moyo says anyone wishing to convene a gathering to be attended by more than four people should seek police clearance. Police have however abused that by denying clearance on MDC gatherings and demonstrations of civic societies while crushing meetings held bypassing their involvement.
However, Mutare Central House of Assembly member Innocent Gonese successfully forwarded amendments in the lower house which among other things sought to remove police powers in clearing meetings and give them to magistrates.
Senate is suppose to debate on the submissions before they can be made lawful but it has not.
Speaking at a civic society leaders meeting in Gweru, Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe Senior Advocacy and Networking Officer and Human Rights Researcher Nixon Nyikadzino said the delay by senate to pave way for the passing into law of the amendments is unacceptable.
Senate should observe the importance of democracy and be helpful to the nation by respecting the wishes of the majority, he said. Zimbabweans, Nyikadzino said, do not want POSA totally but they have agreed for a piecemeal solution and senators should know that. The present POSA allow police to cause unrest and not to investigate cases of unrest and as the country approaches elections, those amendments become even more so crucial.
This week council officials in Mutare pulled down a billboard that encouraged senator to pass on POSA amendments and sources said the instruction had come from the Presidents Office. Nyikadzino bemoaned that development and said what surprises is that Mutare council is made up of MDC councillors who should be at the forefront of repealing POSA but they are allowing fear to influence them.
If passed into law, the amendments to POSA will increase freedom of assembly and make police and army account for their actions especially when they beat up people on public gatherings.
Post published in: News