Zimbabwe opposition leader gagged

Zimbabwe opposition leader gagged

TSVANGIRAI

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By Staff Reporter

ZIMBABWE'S main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has been barred by police from speaking at a series of meetings of his Movement for Democratic Change party over the past ten days, his spokesperson said.

In a statement, William Bango said Tsvangirai is "very concerned about this new development which casts serious doubt as to whether Zimbabwe can have a free and fair election in 2005."

He said the Zimbabwean police had barred Tsvangirai from addressing 11 meetings convened for grassroots officials the past 10 days.

Although national security laws make it obligatory for anyone wishing to hold a public meeting to seek permission from police at least four days before the event, Bango emphasised that political parties had to merely inform them, "not ask for their approval."

Tsvangirai, whose four-year old party holds more than a third of the parliamentary seats, has vowed that the MDC will fight for electoral reforms ahead of the elections in March.

Bango said the Zimbabwe Republic Police had barred Tsvangirai from addressing 11 meetings convened for grassroots officials of the MDC in Bikita East, Bikita West, Masvingo North, Guutu South, Gutu North, Gokwe Central, Gokwe East, Gokwe West, Kadoma Central, Silobela and Hwedza.

"The reasons given by the police vary from place to place," Bango said. "The most common is that there is a shortage of manpower, or that Zanu PF also wants the same venue, or that the officer who is supposed to give the go-ahead is off-duty.

"Tsvangirai believes the police are abusing their powers in denying a political leader of his stature, with millions of supporters and followers, from performing his national duties," Bango said.

Tsvangirai will soon be approaching the courts to seek clarity on the police interpretation of the Public Order and Security Act, his spokesman said.

"Tsvangirai is further disturbed by the fact that the planned meetings were not open, public rallies but consultations with officials from the MDC's structures in the rural areas. Such meetings are not covered by POSA, according to Mr Tsvangirai's understanding."
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