According to a Zimbabwean daily newspaper that has been covering some of the campaign rallies, Zanu (PF) held their rally at Nzvimbo Secondary School in Chiweshe. Not to be outdone by Zanu (PF), the Professor Ncube-led MDC used school premises for its rally in Chikomba. We are told, “School children at Madzivire Primary and Secondary Schools are to be dismissed early today to pave the way for the rally scheduled to take place in their grounds” (Newsday)
This is a violation of children’s rights as recently expressed by the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association and children’s rights activists. Holding political rallies at schools violates children’s rights, including Section 81 of the new Constitution, which says children should not be forced to attend rallies or any political activities.
The electorate must be wary of these human rights abuses and should punish parties which violate children’s rights this way. – Benjamin Chitate, New Zealand