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MDC President barred from addressing meetings
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
August 06, 2004

In the past 10 days, the Zimbabwe Republic Police have barred President Morgan Tsvangirai from addressing 11 meetings convened for grassroots officials of the MDC in Bikita East, Bikita West, Masvingo North, Guutu South, Gutu North, Gokwe Central, Gokwe East, Gokwe West, Kadoma Central, Silobela and Hwedza.

Mr Tsvangirai believes the police are abusing their powers in denying a political leader of his stature, with millions of supporters and followers, from performing his national duties. He has no option other than to put up a test case in the courts to get clarity on the police interpretation of the Public Order and Security Act. He says POSA merely requires political parties to inform the police as a formality, not to ask for their approval, to hold meetings.

Mr Tsvangirai is further disturbed by the fact that the planned meetings were not open, public rallies but consultations with officials from the MDC's structures in the rural areas. Such meetings are not covered by POSA, according to Mr Tsvangirai's understanding.

The reasons given by the police vary from place to place. The most common is that there is a shortage of manpower, or that Zanu PF also wants the same venue, or that the officer who is supposed to give the go-ahead is off-duty. Mr Tsvangirai is very concerned about this new development which casts serious doubt as to whether Zimbabwe can have a free and fair election in 2005.

He is watching the political situation closely with a view to seeking permanent remedies to the anomaly.

T W Bango Spokesperson for the President,
Movement for Democratic Change, Harare, Zimbabwe.

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