The concerns from the residents came out during a public discussion programme on the new constitution organised by ZimRights held in St Mary’s. The discussion programme was held under the theme, "A new constitution a new despensation, which way forward?"
Panelists present at the public discussion included the Member of Parliament for Zengeza East, Collin Gwiyo as well as MDC-99 President, Job Sikhala.
A St Mary’s resident who identified himself as Andrew Masiyanise told residents present at the meeting that senior police officers have led the public to doubt the professionalism of the force by declaring their intentions to contest on a Zanu (PF) ticket in the forthcoming elections.
The sentiments were in apparent reference to AssistantCommissioner Oliver Mandipaka. Mandipaka is set to contest the Buhera South constituency on a Zanu (PF) ticket.
“For a long time we have not had confidence in the police because of the way they were treating political issues in favor of one political party.
“We thought this time around things were going to change but we hear that Mandipaka is set to contest on a Zanu (PF) and that in itself tells us the police will continue with their partisan conduct during elections,” said Masiyanise.
Another resident, Catherine Mukumbati said: “Our only hope for a non-violent election lies with the police but when they start campaigning for a certain party or contesting on that party’s ticket, it raises fear among some of us of a repeat of the violence that has characterised past elections.”
Police Commissioner General, Augustine Chihuri is on record declaring his open support for Zanu (PF) and urging his subordinates to ensure the party remains in power.
Zengeza East Member of Parliament, Collin Gwiyo implored the police to act professionally during the elections and arrest perpetrators of violence regardless of political affiliation.
“As we head towards elections, we hope the police will act professionally and desist from their partisan conduct. We want elections in a free and fair environment and this can only be achieved if the police are non-partisan so that whoever unleashes violence will be brought to book,” he said.
MDC-99 President, Job Sikhala said: “Election time is an opportunity for people to choose leaders of their choice and this should be done in a free environment where no one comes to intimidate people to vote for a certain individual.
“We should let the people decide freely because they are the ones who know who is capable of addressing their concerns.”
Post published in: News