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Zim vows to quell poll unrest
09/11/2005 20:16 - (SA)
Harare - Zimbabwean police warned on Wednesday that any electoral violence during senate polls later this month would be dealt with decisively and rebuffed criticism of alleged bias.
Police chief Augustine Chihuri said in Harare: "In pursuit of a peaceful election, let me hasten to say the ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) will not tolerate any violence from whatever quarter."
He said the police were "targeting all its efforts towards peaceful polls".
The senate elections on November 26 will elect the 66-member upper house of parliament, comprising 10 traditional chiefs, 50 elected senators and six senators appointed by President Robert Mugabe.
Elections held in 2000 and 2002 were tainted by violence which critics blamed on pro-government supporters.
Chihuri warned: "Political violence will be dealt with immediately and decisively without fear or favour."
Critics have accused police of selectively applying the law when it comes to political violence, allegations which police have rebuffed.
Stung by criticism of electoral violence in previous balloting, Mugabe declared "zero tolerance" to political violence during elections in March this year as his country came under scrutiny by its neighbours in southern Africa.
- AFP
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