Zec starts training of election monitors

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) will today start training constituency election officers who will chair multi party liaison committee meetings in constituencies to ensure a peaceful environment before, during and after the elections.

Zec established multiparty liaison committees to allow for consultation and co-operation between the commission and political parties on all electoral matters to deliver credible, free and fair elections.

The committees will also deal with disputes that may arise during the electoral process.

ZEC elections officer for Matabeleland North province Mr Mark Ndlovu said the three day training workshops were part of the commission's conflict management strategy during the election period.

He said the multiparty liaison committee meetings will go a long way in equipping candidates with conflict management tools and promote political tolerance.

"The constituency election officers will go through training from Monday to Wednesday before they chair the multiparty liaison committee meetings to be held in the constituencies.

"It's important for them to be trained so that they know how to address candidates and political parties on different issues pertaining elections," said Mr Ndlovu.

He said the officers will be emphasising on the need for all parties involved to uphold peace during election time and adhere to the electoral code of conduct.

ZEC, in partnership with the police, last week also held multi party liaison provincial meetings for Matabeleland North and Bulawayo, which were chaired by provincial election officers.

Addressing the Matabeleland North National Assembly candidates in Bulawayo on Friday, Mr Ndlovu urged them to tolerate each other as they debate, campaign and prepare for the elections.

"Let's respect each other's opinions and choices and avoid derogating other players in the political field. I'm happy that we're moving together as different stakeholders and our journey has been good so far. I hope that there will be no contesting of results because we all appreciate the fact that some people will win while some lose," said Mr Ndlovu.

The Officer Commanding Matabeleland North province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Chituku, also appealed to political parties to uphold peace during the election period. "We're appealing to everyone to refrain from all forms of violence. We want every party to carry out their campaigns peacefully. We don't want to waste our time making unnecessary follow ups on cases that could have been avoided," said Snr Asst Comm Chituku.

He said police will not hesitate to arrest individuals or political groups who engage in violence.

Mr Ndlovu and Snr Asst Comm Chituku unpacked the electoral code of conduct to the candidates, emphasising on the need for all parties to respect it.

He said all political parties should make sure that their members and supporters are familiar with the code and comply with its terms.