THE Zanu PF youth league has accused MDC Alliance activists
of defacing the ruling party candidates’ campaign posters across the country as
incidents of defacing of campaign posters are on the increase.
The league’s deputy secretary-general Mabutho Moyo claimed
that his party was not involved as they abided by rules and regulations
governing the conduct of elections.
“It’s clear that the MDC is now resorting to such practices
because they know they are heading for a clean defeat. We have told our
campaign teams to be calm and tolerant. We abide religiously by the Zimbabwe
Electoral Commission (Zec) rules and regulations on posters,” Moyo said.
The defacing of rivals’ campaign material attracts a
mandatory five-year jail term and $700 fine.
MDC (Welshman Ncube) spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi,
however, blamed Zanu PF activists for defacing opposition candidates’ posters.
“There is need for the National Peace and Reconciliation
Commission (NPRC) to start awareness campaigns before, during and after
elections to conscientise the ignorant people in Zanu PF about the code of
conduct. Most of these offences are being committed by Zanu PF members who
until this day believe in violent elections,” Chihwayi said.
“The MDC is concerned about poor voter education by Zec and
absence of the peace crusade and peace gospel by the NPRC.
The defacing and pulling down of campaign posters is
illegal, provocative and unacceptable in a democracy.”
Police and Zec officials in Beitbridge appealed for
tolerance among candidates.
Beitbridge police boss Chief Superintendent Francis Phiri
warned that candidates who tampered with competitors’ posters would face the
wrath of the law.
Opposition Free Zimbabwe Congress official Blessing Choeni
also called for political maturity among contestants.
Rural Communities Empowerment Trust (Rucet) Lupane
co-ordinator Vumani Ndlovu said the incidents were a clear indicator of
political immaturity, intolerance and lack of adherence to the code of conduct
governing the behaviour of the candidates and political parties during
elections.
“It is, therefore, incumbent on the political players to
educate their supporters to respect the campaign material of other parties and
candidates,” Ndlovu said.
Ibhetshu likaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo said it
was sad that there was cross-tearing and defacing of campaign posters in the
country, but blamed Zanu PF for being responsible for the illegal activities.
“It’s clear then that we will not have a free and fair
campaign because other political parties do not have free media coverage,”
Fuzwayo said. However, Moyo dismissed the claims as baseless and argued
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s campaign had borne the brunt of the defacing.
“Well, they (opposition) must forward evidence as we are
also seeking the same. Poster-tearing is a barbaric act of cowardice and has no
place in the new dispensation,” Moyo said.
MDC Alliance spokesperson for Bulawayo Felix Magagela
Sibanda blamed police for failure to do their job. “We appeal to all political
formations to adhere to the conduct of code and Electoral Act to cause and
maintain a peaceful environment throughout the prior, during and post
elections,” Sibanda told Southern Eye.
The Lucia Matibenga-led People’s Democratic Party
organising secretary Sengezo Tshabangu described the defacing of rival campaign
posters as primitive, arguing most parties were already struggling to fund
their campaigns.
“Parties, candidates and individuals going through as
independents are hard hit by lack of financial support system. This behaviour
drains the already dry pockets,” Tshabangu said. Newsday
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