Zimbabwe political parties instructed to pull down campaign posters

All political parties must remove their election posters and other campaign material plastered on walls, trees, lamp posts and other public infrastructure and ensure they are properly disposed of with assistance from local authorities.

Campaign material is now degenerating into an environmental nuisance, faded and tatty posters are creating litter, in violation of every citizen's birthright to a clean environment that is not harmful to health as enshrined in the country's constitution.

In a statement, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu implored all political parties to remove their campaign material.

"Campaign materials are a necessity for political parties seeking people's mandate," he said.

"However, it remains key to also ensure that all campaign materials are removed immediately after elections, to avoid them deteriorating into environmental pollution."

A clean environment, Minister Ndlovu said, knows no political boundaries and it is everyone's responsibility.

The country held harmonised elections in August, but some of the contestants are yet to remove their campaign materials, while others immediately removed their material soon after the announcement of the results.

Tattered and unclean campaign flyers that are still stuck to buildings or security walls, turning most of the public infrastructure into an eyesore.

The posters have been left to rot in the sun and rain.