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'We won't hesitate to use force'
The Herald (Zimbabwe)
February 27, 2008

http://allafrica.com/stories/200802270002.html

Police will not hesitate to use full force, including firearms, to quell politically-motivated violence before, during and after next month's harmonised elections, the force's commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri has said.

The police chief told a Press conference in Harare yesterday that campaigning should be done within the confines of the law.

Comm Gen Chihuri's statement comes at a time when the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has said that it would soon establish a multi-party liaison committee at national, constituency and district level to address politically-related problems that may arise ahead of the polls.

"The use of full force by the police world over has always attracted criticism, and is deliberately exaggerated most of the times for a purpose. This is a sticky point so designed to undermine and discredit the entire electoral process.

"We are not deterred by the utterances of hate from the Western world concerning this issue as it is in their interest to discredit all who are not their puppets in their quest to defend their interests.

"No matter how well put, these major powers will never put our interests first before theirs," said Comm Gen Chihuri.

He said in dealing with unruly or rowdy elements, police are empowered to use minimum force necessary to quell a disturbance and in certain circumstances they are empowered to use full force, including firearms.

The Public Order and Security Act empowers police to use force where necessary.

"I reiterate that the police will never treat perpetrators of political violence with kid gloves. Please be warned," he said.

Comm Gen Chihuri appealed to Zimbabweans to desist from actions that might necessitate or compel police to use force.

"There has been talk from some opposition circles and civic organisations of street protests or Kenya-style riots if the ballot does not go in favour of one's political party.

"The same thread of rhetoric is also coming from the US and Britain whose hypothesis is that any victory by a ruling party in Africa (means) the elections are not free and fair.

"They are already making these insinuations because they fear the victory of the ruling party. I wonder what the purpose of an election would be if one political party is the only one that should win irrespective of its voter base.

"It is time for political parties to own up when they lose. Machetes, axes, bows and arrows cannot put anybody into office. We will never allow that to happen in this country. We will nip it in the bud. We are adequately resourced to cover this election," he said.

Comm Gen Chihuri urged contestants to foster healing among people with efforts directed at solving problems rather than laying blame.

He said the period preceding elections was characterised by activities associated with campaigning, meetings and public gatherings and laws were there to govern the conduct of individuals and groups of people wishing to express their freedom of movement and association.

"I want to urge political parties to take time to familiarise themselves with the relevant pieces of legislation that pertain to gatherings and political meetings. As they say, ignorance of the law is not a defence," he said.

"Politicians should also note that it is within the confines of the law for the police to request a political party or any other organisation concerned to submit to it from time to time or at such regular intervals as the police may require, a list of members of organs or structures of the party or organisation."

He said the information was necessary to help police and regulating authorities in ascertaining whether or not a meeting was a public gathering.

"I call upon political parties and others in the election race without political parties, to co-operate when called upon to do so by the regulating authorities," he said.

Comm Gen Chihuri said the concept of "safe houses" would not be tolerated.

"Wherever these are found, the occupants will be flushed out because experience has taught us that they launch attacks from these houses and retreat to hide therein after committing offences. Bona fide political business is conducted in well-known and established premises," he said.

Comm Gen Chihuri said police would enforce the law despite that certain pieces of legislation may not appeal to some individuals or sections of society.

"The Western world has sought to distort patriotism and loyalty for partisanship. We have also been accused of selective enforcement of the law.

"We are Zimbabwean police officers and owe allegiance to Zimbabwe. We have sworn our allegiance to the country, people and laws of this nation.

"Zimbabwe is an independent state with its own laws and ways of doing things. No other country can subordinate its laws to another country's. Therefore, as Zimbabwean police officers, we stand guided by the country's laws and systems in our daily policing activities and in particular these elections," he said.

ZEC public relations director Mr Shupikai Mashereni said all modalities were in place as the election body was meeting with political parties participating in the poll.

"The multi-party liaison committee will be at these three levels and it is meant to address politically-related problems, those problems that can be resolved politically without necessarily going to court or seeking other remedies," said Mr Mashereni.

ZEC will set up at least five polling stations per ward and the number was enough to cater for voters.

"This is just a working figure, we can even increase should the need arise, especially in areas where there are many voters," he said.

He said they have since started sending out ballot boxes, booth and other election material.

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