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Run-Up to Polls Peaceful, Says Tsvangirai

The Herald (Harare)
NEWS
January 15, 2005
Posted to the web January 17, 2005
Harare
MDC leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai has acknowledged that calls by Government and
the police for a peaceful election have been heeded by many people as there is
peace in the country less than two months before a crucial parliamentary
election.
In his weekly message released on Tuesday, Mr Tsvangirai said incidents of
political violence were minimal in the run-up to the March general election.
"Through latter-day exhortations to its supporters to display some form of
political civility in the run-up to the next election, the regime is at least
sending out a positive signal to the people.
"I must recognise and record what appears to be a change of rhythm within the
police force, especially the force's public stance towards direct, physical
violence," Mr Tsvangirai wrote.
He said the MDC was willing to work with the police and Zanu-PF to ensure a
peaceful elec- tion.
"Although pockets of rogue elements still exist here and there, by and large,
we have witnessed a decrease in cases of open violence against political
opponents. We are willing to work with the police and Zanu-PF to open up
Zimbabwe's political space," Mr Tsvangirai said.
President Mugabe, the Minister of Home Affairs Cde Kembo Mohadi and Police
Commissioner Augustine Chihuri have said Government and the police would
everything to ensure the March poll was peaceful.
In his State of the Nation Address to Parliament towards the end of last year,
President Mugabe said Government would ensure that the general election is not
marred by violence.
Cde Mohadi and other Government Ministers and officials, Commissioner Chihuri
with other senior police officers have also said there would be zero tolerance
to any form of violence, intra-party or inter-party. Some Zanu-PF sitting MPs
notably Kindness Paradza of Makonde and Phone Madiro of Hurungwe West have been
arrested and charged with public violence following clashes between their
supporters and those of rivals challenging them in today's primary elections to
elect candidates to represent the party in the March election.

   

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