Heavy Police Presence As Zimbabweans Await Poll Results

There was a heavy police presence Sunday night on the streets of Zimbabwe’s second largest city of Bulawayo, as authorities tried to prevent people from taking to the streets in celebration once final results of the country’s harmonized polls were announced.

Police in heavy anti-riot gear were patrolling the central business district to ensure no people loitered around the city.

People going about their business were randomly stopped, questioned or searched and warned not to stay in town if they had no business.

By around 10pm Sunday, most Bulawayo residents were still waiting for the first official announcement of results of the March 29 polls, which the opposition claims it has won.

“There is no need for this heavy police presence. It’s as if the police are seeking to be provoked. All that the people want is to know results and celebrate,” said one resident of Bulawayo’s Nkulumane suburb.

Bulawayo is traditionally a stronghold of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and figures posted at the various polling stations in the city point to a clean sweep by the MDC.

Source African Press Agency

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