The call was made at a stakeholders meeting organised by ZESN last week Thursday at Dombotombo Hall to gather people’s views on free and fair elections.
Supporters from all political parties vying for power were in attendance.
“Police have helped Zanu (PF) to intimidate supporters from rival political parties in the past. In light of clear police partisan conduct, we call upon ZESN as a major watchdog to help and lobby for the law enforcement agents to maintain a safe distance from polling stations.
“It was public knowledge that the majority of police officers were recruited from among members of the Zanu (PF) ‘controlled’ Neighbourhood Watch Committees, or graduates from Border Gezi Youth Training Centres. These institutions were manipulated by Zanu (PF) to gain political mileage,” said a participant at the meeting.
The majority of participants suggested police and other partisan government workers should help maintain law and order from at least 50 metres from the polling centres.
“This would help to instil a sense of security within the electorate,” said another attendant at the meeting.
Some participants said police presence was necessary within the polling stations as it was the constitutional role of the law enforcement agents to closely monitor proceedings within striking distance.
There was also disagreement over the time frame within which election results should be announced.
“Election results should be announced at least three months after the polling. There is no urgency in making public the outcome of elections,” said participants from the Zanu (PF) camp.
The majority suggested that the outcome of future polls should be made public immediately after counting.
ZESN is holding all stakeholders meetings around the country to gather public views regarding the legitimate holding of elections.
Post published in: News