Editorial Comment – Protest ban: A lesson for the opposition

The least we can say about the two-week ban on political processions or demonstrations in Harare is that opposition parties should have seen it coming. They were already pushing their luck too far, too fast.

The Government, on Friday, invoked Statutory Instrument 101a of 2016 which prohibits the holding of public demonstrations, particularly in Harare until September 16, 2016. This immediately put a stop to a planned demonstration the same Friday by 18 political parties under the banner of the National Electoral Reform Agenda.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe allows people to freely demonstrate or petition Government. So far political parties led by MDC-T and Zimbabwe People First have exercised this constitutional right.

What has irked the authorities is that the demonstrators have ignored an important caveat that goes with the freedom and right to demonstrate. The demonstration has to be peaceful. That is to say, those who choose to demonstrate must respect the rights and freedoms of those who opt not to be part of the demonstrators.

The past few weeks have shown that in exercising their right to demonstrate, opposition political parties have failed not only to clearly articulate their agenda, but have not been able to keep their people in check, resulting in widespread violence and wanton destruction of property.

The wave of violence included burning vehicles and attacking police officers trying to maintain law and order, as per their constitutional mandate. That state of lawlessness could not be allowed to continue while Government stood by.

That temporary ban on demonstrations should be a lesson and a time for reflection by opposition leaders.

For a start, if they have no power to control the demonstrators then they have no right to unleash them on to the streets where they pose a serious threat to innocent citizens and residents. Which is why the police have been forced to intervene.

Two, by failing to clearly articulate their grievances, opposition political parties are giving themselves carte blanche to demonstrate for the love of it, and forever. A protest march must have a definite purpose and possibly how the grievance can be addressed. It is patently ridiculous to demonstrate against alleged economic hardships and expect an immediate response or end to the same. Economies are not run through magic, that is why peace is so important and demonstrations can be disruptive if prolonged.

Similarly, it is irresponsible to call for the resignation of a sitting Head of State before his constitutional term of office is up. In this case, Zimbabwe is due to hold its next elections in less than two years. Opposition parties should be preparing their supporters for those elections. Instead, they have shown that they are afraid of going the democratic route, opting for war. The rules of engagement then change dramatically and every serious politician should know that.

Third, the opposition is spoiling for a conflict between the Executive and the Judiciary. President Mugabe at the weekend warned judges to be careful in granting leave for parties to demonstrate especially where violence is likely.

Ordinarily that warning should not be necessary. But if political parties cannot control their people, don’t want the police to interfere, then they should expect Government to exercise its constitutional authority. They shouldn’t abuse the courts.

A nation cannot be held to ransom by politicians making foggy demands through street protests simply because the Constitution allows them to march. Unless the leaders of NERA believe themselves to be above the law, they should indeed have seen the ban on demonstrations coming.

They should thank their gods that it’s temporary — because we are a functioning democracy.

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