STATEMENT: POLICE CONDUCT SHOULD NOT UNDERMINE FREE & FAIR ELECTIONS
The Election Resource Centre (ERC) has noted with grave concern the rising levels of
police led oppression and intimidation which are characterising political and campaign
activities ahead of the 2022 By-Elections. Incidents of what appear to be systematic
abuse of the rule of law to deny the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and
candidates the opportunity to campaign in line with section 67 of the Constitution has
been reported across by-election areas over the past few weeks.
The protection of human and electoral rights is part and parcel of the exercise of police
functions under section 219 (1) (e) of the Constitution. Police officers are the first line of
defence in the protection of political rights especially in light of the upcoming
by-election and must conduct themselves in a manner that promotes credible
elections.
The ERC calls on the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure that the country remains
committed to multiparty democracy and should refrain from exercising their powers in a
manner that undermines the conditions conducive to open participation and free and
fair elections.
The ERC additionally calls on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to condemn in the
strongest possible terms all conduct and behaviour that undermines our democratic
process of free and fair elections.
