The IGP added his voice to the raging debate over whether or not voters are allowed to stay within the radius of 200 metres from a polling centre after voting, by stressing that the force will squarely deal with any crowd that would assemble close to a polling centre.
The directive comes just a week after the opposition Chadema Special Seat aspirant Ammy Kibatala filed a constitution petition in the High Court seeking it to declare that voters are allowed to say within the radius of 200 metres from a polling station.
She wants the court to give a proper interpretation of Section 104 (1) of the National Elections Act, on the rights of voters to stay beyond a distance of 200 metres from where voting is taking place.
The petitioner argues that the prohibition affects her right to fully participate in the electoral process which was declared to be transparent, amongst other characteristics. A panel of three judges is today expected to give a decision on the matter.
Yesterday, the IGP said during a news conference at police headquarters that the directive takes effect on Saturday evening after the official closing of election campaigns and will remain in force until presidential results are announced.
He said the order was specifically directed to political parties and their supporters. “The police force will not tolerate any gatherings that are likely to intimidate people and impede their voting,” he said.
According to the IGP, security would be beefed up on October 25, when 23.7 million eligible voters are expected to participate in electing civic, parliamentary and presidential elections. In the Isles, voters will also elect Zanzibar President as well Members of House of Representatives.
“Police in collaboration with other security organs will ensure that the country is peaceful during voting, tallying of votes and announcement of results. We will ensure that people’s homes are secure during the time they will be away at polling stations and that they will get back home safely,” he noted.
This is the first time that the IGP is breaking silence on the “200 metres” controversy since it started.
He spoke barely a day after Internal Affairs minister Mathias Chikawe told reporters that any person who wished to assemble after casting their vote should apply for the prerequisite police permit as stipulated by the law.
The main opposition, Chadema, which is member to the four-party coalition, Ukawa, has been calling on their supporters to vote and then retreat to 200 metres from polling stations and stay put to “guard their votes” against any possible “vote theft”.
The Ukawa has claimed it has uncovered plots by the ruling CCM to rig the election.
But, according to the IGP, experience shows that where there is any assembly of people with different political orientations, there was a very high likelihood of chaos.
“We will not hesitate to take appropriate legal action against anyone who will violate the laws, regulations and election rules under the pretext of vote guarding,” he emphasised, adding:
“We will ensure that justice prevails, and we will neither favour nor discriminate anybody. We will work professionally on the philosophy of educating, lobbying and if we opt for use of excessive force, that will only be after all other ways to maintain peace have failed, said Mr Mangu.
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