News / Local
'Police not mandated to assist voters'
21 Aug 2023 at 06:39hrs | Views
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed allegations that police officers will assist illiterate or voters with disability in the Wednesday elections.
In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson assistant commissioner, Paul Nyathi said police officers were deployed at polling stations to ensure law and order in line with the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Electoral Act.
"The ZRP is aware of allegations made by some political parties and civic organisations to some observers concerning police officers' role and voting by illiterate or physically handicapped voters," he said.
Nyathi added that the specific assistance given to a voter is not done by a police officer.
"The police officer is called to ensure law and order is maintained. Thereafter, the presiding officer must record particulars of the assisted voter in terms of the Electoral Act, [Chapter 2:13].
"Allegations that police officers have the sole responsibility of assisting illiterate or physically handicapped voters are, therefore, not correct and must be dismissed with the contempt they deserve," Nyathi said.
In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson assistant commissioner, Paul Nyathi said police officers were deployed at polling stations to ensure law and order in line with the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Electoral Act.
"The ZRP is aware of allegations made by some political parties and civic organisations to some observers concerning police officers' role and voting by illiterate or physically handicapped voters," he said.
"The police officer is called to ensure law and order is maintained. Thereafter, the presiding officer must record particulars of the assisted voter in terms of the Electoral Act, [Chapter 2:13].
"Allegations that police officers have the sole responsibility of assisting illiterate or physically handicapped voters are, therefore, not correct and must be dismissed with the contempt they deserve," Nyathi said.
Source - newsday
