Judge to rule on Mega Demo this morning

A judge is expected to rule this morning on whether or not the mega demonstration should go ahead.

The National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA),yesterday approached the High Court seeking permission to hold their demonstration in Harare today. The judge could not decide yesterday and is now expected to make the ruling at 8 a.m.

In a founding affidavit, NERA organising secretary Mr Joelson Mugari said the group notified the police of the intended street march and procession on August 12 this year. On August 15, Mr Mugari said, police responded to the notice discouraging NERA from holding the street march.

“In particular, the first respondent (Officer Commanding Harare Police) stated that his office discouraged the applicant’s intended march on the basis that the number of intended participants cannot be accommodated in the central business district as it would interrupt the smooth flow of both human and vehicular traffic.

“First respondent further stated that he encouraged the applicant to engage the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission instead of engaging in street demonstrations,” reads the affidavit.

The planned march, according to the court papers, would start from an open area behind Rainbow Towers and proceed to Robert Mugabe Road, Fourth Street, Jason Moyo Avenue and end at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission offices.

Source: Herald