Police have warned against the defacing or tearing of election campaign posters and fanning of political intolerance through social media, saying offenders risk being arrested and punished in terms of the law.
Addressing a press conference in Harare, the ZRP commander for this year’s harmonised elections Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza said according to the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13, it was an offence to destroy rival election material.
“Members of the public and all political parties are being reminded that according to Section 152 (1) of the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13: ‘from the date of which an election is called until its result is declared, no person shall deface or remove any billboard, placard or poster published, posted or displayed by a political party or candidate contesting the election.’
“Subsection (3) of the same section stipulates that the person who does so: ‘shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 10 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both such fine and such imprisonment’,” he said.
He said they had also received reports of elements who were forcing rival supporters to remove party regalia which they will be wearing or even going to the extent of forcing them to wear their chosen party’s regalia against one’s consent.
“Some individuals or groups are also posting photo shopped videos of purported violence on the social media platform with the view of fomenting discord and disharmony in the community and the country. In some places, there are groups of people who are going about claiming ownership of specific areas and declaring them no go areas for campaigning by other candidates.
“The police are fully alert and will deal with anyone who engages in any form of electoral malpractice without fear or favour,” Snr Asst Comm Makodza said.
He said generally peace was prevailing throughout the country and commended members of the public for taking heed of the call for peace by President Mnangagwa. Chronicle
0 comments:
Post a Comment