The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has called for peaceful free and fair elections which are due later in the year.
The previous general elections held in 2018 were marred by violence resulting in the fatal shooting of some protesters in Harare.
Opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa went on to challenge the outcome of the presidential poll at the Constitutional Court but lost the case.
Speaking during the official opening of 2023 legal in Bulawayo Monday, Deputy Chief Justice, Elizabeth Gwaunza, urged political parties to campaign peacefully.
The call comes barely a few days after elderly people were flogged by suspected ZANU-PF assailants for attending an opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and for belonging to the same party in Murehwa, Mashonaland East.
Recently held by-elections in Matobo and Insiza districts were also characterised by violence which saw some CCC members getting hospitalised after receiving severe beatings from suspected ZANU-PF supporters.
“The nation is due to hold harmonised elections later in the year,” said Gwaunza.
“The Constitution makes it very clear that every citizen is entitled to peaceful, free, and fair elections. The obligation is therefore on all the political parties, the candidates, and their agents to ensure that conditions conducive for the holding of peaceful, free, and fair harmonised elections are created and maintained.”
She elaborated: “As the Judiciary, we expect the rule of law to prevail, especially in the coming months when political parties start their campaigns. This is the only way that will ensure that the elections are free, fair, and credible.”
