NCA spokesperson arrested

The Elections Watch
27 March 2008
Time: 2030 hours

NCA spokesperson Arrested

The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) spokesperson and Youth Forum Board Chairperson, Madock Chivasa has been arrested. He was arrested today around 1530 hours in Bikita West constituency along side nine other human rights activists from the Youth Forum. The Coalition could only manage to get four names of the other detainees; Hillary Zhou, Farirai Mageza, Simbai Chivasa, Leonard Musimiki.

They are still detained at the Bikita Office police station. They were arrested for playing the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Compact Disc (CD) Nharembozha. The police are arguing that Bikita West constituency is a politically volatile constituency; hence the MDC music could incite violence in the area.

Surprisingly, both MDC and Zanu PF members are wearing their party regalia with minimal politically motivated clashes as in the previous elections. It is perturbing therefore for the police to hold that the CD which has been played at most MDC mass rallies in a spirit of harmony could incite any violence. It is shocking there of for the police to use such naïve antics to arrest human rights activists a day before an election.

Judge refuses to hear case

Justice Antonia Guvava today threw out an urgent High court application by three disabled voters, Masimba Kuchera, Tafadzwa Rugohwo and Michael Muza who were challenging amendments made to Sections 59 and 60 of the Electoral Act by President Mugabe.

Section 59 and 60 were amended by Mugabe on the 18th of March 2008 under the Presidential Powers Temporary Measures (Amendment of Electoral Act) Regulations 2008 allowing the police to be present when an election official assists disabled and illiterate voters during the election.

According to Masimba Kuchera (a programs officer with the Students Solidarity Trust [SST]), the amendment tramples upon the freedoms of association and choice which are fundamental freedoms. He further argued that the disabled and illiterate face intimidation and trepidation at the hands of the police whose Commissioner General has declared his unwavering support for the ruling ZANU PF party.

Kuchera noted that he would defy the amendment and chose a helper of his own. Alec Muchadehama of Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni legal practitioners is representing the three.

Issued by the

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Command Centre