17 February 2007

By Tichaona Sibanda (SW Radio Africa)

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has observed that the Zanu (PF) candidate for Saturday’s by-election in Chiredzi South is receiving logistical support from the army.Callisto Gwanetsa, a serving lieutenant colonel in the Zimbabwe National Army has been seen driving an army vehicle around the constituency. The vehicle is however fitted with civilian plates, according to ZESN.

A preliminary report compiled and released on the eve of the by-election by ZESN said its observers reported seeing army vehicles being used to ferry Zanu PF supporters around the constituency. The headmaster of Chilonga primary school, on behalf of Chief Charumbira, also invited traditional leaders and their subjects to attend a Zanu PF meeting. The leaders received invitation letters with the school stamp. There were also allegations that the Zanu PF candidate was using an army vehicle to conduct his campaigns,’ said the report.

The Chiredzi by-election is being held following the death of Zanu (PF) MP Aaron Baloyi in September last year. Four candidates are contesting the election. Apart from Gwanetsa, they’re Immaculate Makondo of the Tsvangirai led MDC, Nehemiah Zanamwe of the Mutambara led MDC and Miyethani Chauke from the United Peoples’ Party (UPP).

ZESN has observed that while the election campaign has been peaceful there are concerns that a deputy minister Fortune Charumbira has allegedly been making disturbing comments. Charumbira is reported to have threatened opposition supporters with eviction from the constituency should they vote for the parties of their choice.

'The alleged statements by Charumbira are unconstitutional, illegal and in gross violation of human rights. These statements violate the following laws and regional and international standards. The Constitution of Zimbabwe section 23 protects all citizens against discrimination on various grounds, one of which is political opinion. It is also a serious criminal offence in terms of section 134 of the Electoral Act to use undue influence to induce or compel any person to vote or refrain from voting,’ said ZESN in the report.