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Urgent action required to avoid violence during elections
International Bar Association (London)
February 29, 2008

The International Bar Association (IBA) is concerned at statements by Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri on 25 February stating that the Zimbabwean police force would not hesitate to use full force, including firearms, when confronting any incidents of politically motivated violence during the country's election period. It would be more appropriate, in the tense atmosphere that exists in Zimbabwe at present, for the police and security forces to reassure voters that they will be protected and their right to vote freely ensured. The IBA urges the Police Commissioner not to posture over the potential use of lethal force and avoid intimidating statements that could deter voters from participating freely in the electoral process.

The IBA is further deeply concerned by reports of a lack of concerted action by all parties and authorities in Zimbabwe to prevent violence during the elections. The IBA supports the proposal by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to establish a multi-party committee at national, constituency and district levels in order to respond to any potential election related problems. The IBA recommends these committees be established as a matter of urgency.

Mark Ellis, IBA Executive Director stated "We urge all political party leaders and independent contenders in the upcoming elections to uphold civility during their broadcasts, rallies and speeches." Mr Ellis added "Consistent reports of partisan policing and torture by Zimbabwean police against civilians heightens our concern for the safety of Zimbabwean citizens during the election."

Richard Goldstone, Co-Chair of the IBA Human Rights Institute stated that "The people of Zimbabwe have the right to equal protection of the law. Immediate measures must be taken to ensure that police and security forces operate impartially and are fully accountable for their actions, particularly at this tense time."

Background
The Police Commissioner for Zimbabwe, Commissioner General Chihuri made statements to the press on 25 February, emphasising that Zimbabwean police would not hesitate to use force, including firearms when confronting any incidences of politically motivated violence.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has also recently stated that it will establish multi-party liaison committees throughout polling districts in Zimbabwe to help combat any unrest. There are reports that political party leaders and independent candidates for the presidency have failed to call for calm and restraint during this election period.

The IBA has consistently spoken out on human rights violations and threats to the rule of law in Zimbabwe. A high level delegation sent by the IBA visited the country in August 2007 to investigate allegations of torture and abuse carried out by members of the Zimbabwean police. The most recent report titled Partisan Policing: An obstacle to human rights and democracy was released in November 2007. The report made a number of recommendations to the authorities and international and regional stakeholders based on the domestic, regional and international obligations of the Zimbabwean Government to uphold and protect human rights. The main message of the report was that far- reaching reforms for the police force were necessary in order to address the impunity in which the police operate in Zimbabwe. 

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