SELF-EXILED former Cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere has pleaded with election observers and the international community to keep a vigilant eye on political violence during this year’s elections.
Kasukuwere, who was recently barred from contesting as an independent presidential candidate, said political violence would dent the credibility of the elections.
“To the election observers, both from our homeland and the international community, your role is now more critical than ever,” he said in a statement.
“We urge you to not only monitor the voting process, but to keep a vigilant eye on these escalating incidents of violence. History, and indeed our people, will judge us by our actions or our inactions during these testing times.”
The country is witnessing a surge in cases of political violence.
A fortnight ago, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporter Tinashe Chitsunge was stoned to death by suspected Zanu PF supporters in Glen View, Harare.
On the same day, CCC leader Nelson Chamisa’s convoy was also attacked.
“In the face of deeply troubling incidents of violence against innocent individuals engaged in the democratic process, we must take a firm stance and echo our unreserved condemnation,” said Kasukuwere who was elbowed out of the presidential race through a court order instigated by a Zanu PF member.
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“These attacks are not just an affront to the victims, but a blatant attack on the very core of our democratic principles,” he said.
A recent Afrobarometer survey conducted by Mass Public Opinion Institute revealed that at least 70% of Zimbabweans are afraid of being caught up in violence before, during and after the elections.
Calling for justice for victims of political violence, Kasukuwere added: “No Zimbabwean should have to pay the price for exercising their democratic rights. Intimidation, harassment and violence have no place in a nation that seeks to govern itself by the principles of freedom, fairness, and equality.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised to ensure peace prevails before and after the polls.
However, many human rights watchdogs have cited Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF as the main perpetrator of violence, but the ruling party denies the claims.
