ZimRights manifesto calls for protection of political rights

Grace Moyo

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights), a grassroots movement advocating for human rights, has launched ‘The People’s Human Rights Manifesto which emphasises, among other rights, the protection of political rights for Zimbabweans.

The launch took place on Wednesday in Harare.

Concerning political rights, the Manifesto urges politicians and other stakeholders to respect the citizens’  right to voluntarily partake or abstain from political processes without coercion.

“Every Zimbabwean has the right to freely participate in all political processes in Zimbabwe, either as a contesting candidate in elections or as a voter supporting a political party or candidate of their choice. No one is allowed to use violence or intimidation to force a Zimbabwean to join, support or vote for a political party or candidate. We are also aware that a person’s vote is their secret, and it is illegal for anyone to force a voter to disclose which political party or candidate they voted for during the elections.”

Since the formation of a strong opposition in 1999, the Movemement for Democratic change, Zimbabwe’s political landscape has turned volatile and has been characterised by violence especially during elections.

Oswald Ndlovu, a Hwange based political commentator says political intolerance that finds expression in violence stems from the colonial era and the liberation struggle.

“I would like to congratulate Zimrights for producing a comprehensive, people-centred manifesto that clearly defines our rights as Zimbabweans.

We need to get rid of the culture of violence that unfortunately predates Zimbabwe. We know that the settler regime used violence to maintain colonialism. Our own people had to resort to violence to liberate the country. The problem is violence is so ingrained in us that we  want to use it to make people tow our line politically. It is very concerning,” said Ndlovu.

According to Ndlovu, government has the capacity to turn the tide against violence.

“All that is required to avoid violence is political will. Most of the violence is perpetrated by state actors and that means the state can choose to nip it in the bud by holding state agencies accountable,” he said.

Following recommendations by the Motlante Commission which investigated the 2018 post-election violence that saw soldiers gunning down civilians in the streets of Harare, the government came up with the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission Act in 2022. Under the Act, civilians in Zimbabwe can now report misconduct by the police and the army.

Before then, there was no accountability from the security services despite the 2013 constitution having provisions for such a law.

Ndlovu said the Act that came four years after its recommendation by the Motlante Commission is a good step in the right direction. He however hastened to say, implementation of the law is crucial.

“At the end of the day, what is important is the implementation of the law. We have good laws in the Constitution of Zimbabwe but  most of them are not being implemented. The authorities must see to it that the laws take effect on offenders in a deterrent way. People should not get away with violence and murder, literally. Impunity must stop,” he said.

On the 1st of August 2018, demonstrators took to the streets of Harare demanding the release of election results. The protest morphed into a riot, which the police and army violently suppressed. Six people were shot dead, 35 injured, and there was significant property damage.

Former South African president Kgalema Motlanthe led the commission of inquiry.

“It remains to be seen as to how effective the Independent Complaints Commission will be. We have had commissions like the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC) which have done nothing meaningful and there is a danger that the Independent Complaints Commission may turn out to be the same,” said Ndlovu.

Sihle Ncube of Madumabisa said it is the duty of citizens to maintain peace especially during the election period that has come to be associated with violence.

“We are lucky to be in a part of the country that has not witnessed orgies of violence during elections but we are concerned with what happens elsewhere in the country especially in Mashonaland. People are beaten and have their homes razed down on account of political differences. This should be stopped,” she said

Violence reared its ugly head in Matobo Ward 2 during the recently held by-elections where women were beaten and stripped naked.

Jasmine Toffa of the opposition CCC, was severely assaulted, leading to her hospitalisation.

Elderly people in Murewa were allegedly assaulted by Zanu PF thugs for holding an opposition meeting at a private residence.

ZimRights’ manifesto highlighted the need for freedom of association and for politicians to persuade the electorate into buying their ideas rather than use violence and handouts. 

“As citizens, we expect politicians to convince us to vote for them based on the merits of their policies and not because of handouts or threats of violence. Before casting our ballots, we are free to attend political rallies of any political party to hear what aspiring electoral candidates have to say. We want to see a contest of ideas during the campaigning period and not trading insults or hate speech. We are looking for leaders who are willing to listen to our concerns and who can tolerate those who disagree with them.”