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Statement Issued By Service Chiefs

The Zimbabwe Guardian (London)

DOCUMENT
29 March 2008
Posted to the web 30 March 2008

BELOW is the statement issued by Zimbabwe service chiefs. Earlier in the week
the service chiefs called for the upholding of peace and tranquillity as the
nation votes today to elect a President, Members of the House of Assembly,
senators and councillors.
STATEMENT BY THE SERVICE CHIEFS PRESENTED BY THE COMMISSIONER GENERAL OF POLICE
CDE AUGUSTINE CHIHURI ON THE HARMONISED ELECTIONS
POLICE HEADQUATERS
MARCH 28, 2009
The Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Gen C. G. Chiwenga
The Commander Zimbabwe National Army: Lt Gen P. V. Sibanda
The Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe: Air Marshal P. Shiri
Director General in the President's Office; Rtd Maj Gen H. M. Bonyongwe
Commissioner of Prisons; Ret Maj Gen P. W. Zimondi
Members of the media
Good morning
Tomorrow the nation goes to vote in the Harmonized elections amid peace and
tranquility much to the chagrin of detractors who hyped that there will be
increased political violence as we move to the polls. Such a view was intended
to buttress their ultimate conclusion that the polls would not be free and
fair. I applaud the nation at large, the churches for their prayers and the
many politicians who have joined us in the message and practice of zero-
tolerance to violence. We urge everyone in our nation from all sectors of our
society to uphold the peace, law and order that has prevailed as now, tomorrow
as we vote, and also thereafter.
We wish to advise the nation that all the defence and security forces of
Zimbabwe are on full alert from now onwards covering the election period and
beyond. May we remind everyone that those who think and do evil must fear, for
the Defence and Security Forces are up to the task in thwarting all threats to
national security. Also those who have been breathing fire about Kenyan style
violence should be warned that violence is poor substitute for intelligence and
that it is monster that can devour its creator, as it is blind and selective.
Such misguided elements should stop this dangerous dreaming where they start to
commend themselves among themselves forgetting the Constitution and our
existence. Doing so is not wise.
As we approach the polls tomorrow, we remind all contesting parties and
individuals that the law clearly stipulates how the votes will be counted and
results announced. We are not going to allow a situation where individuals
arrogate themselves the role of election officials and announce themselves
winners at any stage of the electoral process. The authority of counting votes
and announcing the winners is vested in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)
in accordance with law. We warn anyone of such inclination that we will not
tolerate any such pronouncements as they have the effect of trying to take the
law into their own hands thereby fomenting disorder and mayhem. Everyone is
therefore advised to follow the law.
We guarantee peace and safety for all Zimbabweans who would like to exercise
their right to vote. Adequate security deployments have been made to ensure
their safety. But after voting we urge all the voters to go and await the
result in the comfort of their homes. The officers who have been deployed at
polling stations have been thoroughly briefed on their roles in line with
Statutory Instrument 43 of 2008. There have been some exaggerated reports
carried by the media with regard to these elections. We appeal to the various
media houses to report stories in a professional and ethical manner. Truth and
accuracy should not be sacrificed on the alter of political expediency.
In conclusion ladies and gentlemen, we reiterate that violence does not
discriminate on its victims. It has the capacity to injure and take lives of
both perpetrators and the innocent. We discourage acts that could lead to
anarchy. We advocate total peace, law and order. On our part, we are without
doubt ready to carry out our constitutional obligations without fear of favour.
May the Almighty God bless our only motherland-Zimbabwe.
I thank you.

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