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This article participates on the following special index pages:
2008 harmonised elections - Index of articles
The
military intimidate voters ahead of March 29 Poll
Center for Research and Development (CRD)
March 28, 2008
The Center for Research
and Development (CRD) note with concern acts of intimidation being
carried out by the military ahead of the March 29 election. On March
27 a fighter jet flew low across the city and left many residents
in a state of shock. A woman collapsed at Mutare provincial hospital
as a result. Through out the day convoys of military trucks with
soldiers armed to the teeth went around all residential suburbs
in Mutare. The CRD officers in Mutare noticed ZANU PF trucks leading
the military convoys. The soldiers, all in combat gear, were pointing
their guns at civilians. Many residents fear the military patrols
are a warning that the country will be in a state of war should
ZANU PF lose the election.
In view of the foregoing,
the CRD is of the opinion that the March 29 poll will not be conducted
in atmosphere that allows citizens to express their opinions freely.
There is massive intimidation both in rural and urban communities.
The military is a national institution that should never meddle
in electoral issues. Furthermore, Zimbabwe is not in a state of
war and therefore the military should be restricted to the barracks.
We call upon the Minister of Defense, Sydney Sekeramayi, to ensure
that the military does not infringe with the civil and political
rights of ordinary Zimbabweans.
An election is not a
threat to national security, rather it is a pillar upon which security
is build. It is therefore a building bridge to positive peace that
ensures lasting stability. We are therefore perplexed that an election
whose date was set by the incumbent President and that is being
conducted according to the constitution of Zimbabwe is treated as
if it's a battle between the military and the ordinary people.
Center for Research and
Development
Suite 27, Seventh Floor, Fidelity Life Centre
Mutare
Tel: +263-(0)20-62707
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