Statement from military chiefs

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 has 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 favor. May the Almighty God bless our only motherland-Zimbabwe.

I thank you