ZanuPF accused of using army in campaign
http://www.thedailynewszw.com/?p=28962
April 19, 2010
By Owen Chikari
MASVINGO – Zanu-PF has allegedly engaged the services of soldiers to campaign for the adoption of the controversial Kariba draft constitution ahead of the constitutional reform’s outreach programme scheduled to start early next month.
Mwenezi East Zanu-PF legislator, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti
The constitutional reform process, which is well behind schedule, is expected to get into full gear early May after the release of donor funds.
Villagers here claim President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party has roped in soldiers to campaign for the adoption of the Kariba draft.
The draft, crafted by both the MDC and Zanu-PF in the town of Kariba about three years ago, has been at the centre of dispute since the constitutional reform process began.
The MDC now rejects the document, arguing for a people-driven process, while Zanu-PF is campaigning for its adoption.
Groups of soldiers dressed in full military attire are said to have visited several areas in rural parts of Masvingo province threatening villagers with death if they did not support the adoption of the draft.
On Saturday, the soldiers reportedly descended in Mushandike Resettlement Scheme about 20 kilometres south of Masvingo city where they held a series of meetings with villagers on the constitutional reform process.
Villagers in Mushandike told The Daily News online that they were threatened with death if they rejected the Kariba draft.
“The soldiers dressed in military gear came and addressed us here about the new constitution,” said Simon Muenenge one of the villagers.
“They told us that a new war will erupt if we do not support the Kariba draft. They also told us not to support the mainstream MDC party.”
Last week , the soldiers addressed meetings at Chimbudzi and Chimeri villages in Mwenezi districts where villagers were ordered to support the adoption of the Kariba draft.
“Soldiers have been holding meeting here since last week and were telling villagers not support the MDC party’s stance on the constitution,” said Charles Muzenda, a Mwenezi resident.
“They have been telling us that the Kariba draft is the only document to support if we want peace in the country.”
Four Brigade commander, Brigadier Julius Mutisi, at the weekend confirmed the presence of soldiers in Mushandike but said they were only on a training exercise.
“I can confirm that soldiers were at our training camp in Mushandike on a training mission,” said Mutisi. “If there is anyone who was harassed, the reports have not reached us.”
“After all, we have do not campaign for any party during the constitutional reform process. If there are soldiers doing that then they are doing it in their own individual capacity.”
Mwenezi East Zanu-PF legislator Kudakwashe Bhasikiti at the weekend said his party was campaigning for its position on the constitution, adding that the party was using all arms of government to do so.
“We are using all arms of government which we feel is necessary to make us win,” said Bhasikiti. “We are using war veterans, party youths, civil servants, the police and even soldiers who are supportive of us.
“We are doing this peacefully and no one has been intimidated or harassed”.
Zimbabwe is battling to craft a new constitution but the process has been hampered by a shortage of funds and sharp differences among political parties within the fragile inclusive government.
Tension is high in the countryside as the two political parties fight to outdo each other in the campaign.
The constitutional reform process’ outreach programme is expected to take 65 days. Once the constitution is in place, Zimbabweans are expected to go to the polls to choose a government of their choice.