MARYLAND - Zimbabwean police have barred the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change led by Nelson Chamisa from holding its official election campaign launch in Bindura at the weekend saying the venue is in a bushy area without necessary facilities, including toilets and serviced roads.
Responding to the CCC’s request to hold the rally as per some provisions of the law, the officer commanding the district said it has reservations in allowing the party to hold the rally “taking into account all relevant security factors necessary.”
In a letter in possession of VOA Studio 7, police said, “The venue falls within an undeveloped piece of land, which is bushy without serviceable roads, water and sewer facilities. It provides a high risk security threat to the participants. There is also high risk of threat to the spread of any communicable diseases.
“In the event of any public disorder, the police and other services would have challenges to access the venue due to unavailability of an official road network. As a result, our mandate to protect life and property and to maintain law and order will be compromised.”
Police also said the CCC notice did not give sufficient notice to the regulatory authority provided for in terms of the Maintenance of Public Order Act.
The Zimbabwean police recommended that CCC should secure another venue and give notice as per the provisions of the law.
But CCC said they will proceed with the rally despite the negative police response.
In a tweet, CCC spokesperson Fadzai Mahere said, “It’s all systems GO for our national campaign mega-launch in Bindura on Sunday, 9 July 2023 at 10am. It’s going to be the biggest rally seen in Southern Africa. All roads lead to Mash Central this weekend as we paint the nation yellow! Change is coming.”
The party said they would provide mobile ablution facilities at the venue to ensure that CCC members’ needs are catered for.
Suspected Zanu PF activists have barred CCC rallies in Chikombedzi, Chiredzi central and some parts of Manicaland.
Zimbabwe will hold crucial harmonized elections on 23 August this year. There are 11 presidential candidates, including Chamisa and President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who are the front runners.