The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has warned political parties against violence, emphasising that parties should adhere to the code of conduct as the country heads towards the March 26 by-elections.
In a statement on Thursday ZEC chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, said political parties’ candidates should refrain from issuing directives of violence or intimidation.
“The Commission condemns and abhors in the strongest terms such acts of violence, which have the effect of negatively impacting the electoral environment in the build-up to the by-elections set for March 26, 2022,” said ZEC.
“The Commission would like to reiterate its calls for tolerance by all political parties and election stakeholders and urges all political parties and candidates to adhere to the code of conduct.”
Paragraph 11 of the code of conduct requires political parties to:
“(i) Instruct their members and supporters to comply with the code and any applicable electoral laws.
“(ii) Issue directives proscribing intimidation, violence and other illegal activities or offences and educating their members on the undesirability of the same.
“(iii) Initiate appropriate disciplinary action on their office bearers, members, supporters and candidates who contravene the code and laws of the land.”
