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ZIMBABWE: WOZA activists demand violence-free polls - OCHA IRIN

Friday 25 March 2005


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ZIMBABWE: WOZA activists demand violence-free polls

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG, 14 Feb 2005 (IRIN) - Bearing placards proclaiming, "The power of love can conquer the love of power", a group of activists from Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) marched through the streets of the capital, Harare, on St Valentine's Day to demand democratic and violence-free elections in March.

"About 150 to 200 women participated in the protest and distributed red roses and St Valentine's Day cards until we were dispersed by the traffic policemen," Magodonga Mahlangu, a WOZA member, told IRIN.

Since its formation in 2003, WOZA has taken to the streets every St Valentine's Day to protest against rights abuses in the country.

Late Monday, WOZA was still trying to ascertain whether any of their members had been arrested. At least 53 WOZA members were arrested while holding a 'pre-St Valentine's Day' march in Bulawayo last Saturday, according to Jenni Williams, the organisation's national coordinator.

[ENDS]

Other recent ZIMBABWE reports:

Concern over delay in accrediting monitors, 24/Mar/05

Expatriates an untapped development resource, IOM, 23/Mar/05

Media monitor condemns radio jamming, 21/Mar/05

Parliamentary election pits "Tony Blair" against Robert Mugabe, 21/Mar/05

SA opposition describes run-up to poll as "alarming", 18/Mar/05

Other recent Democracy-Other reports:

ZIMBABWE: Concern over delay in accrediting monitors, 24/Mar/05

NAMIBIA: New president aims to tackle corruption, 22/Mar/05

NAMIBIA: Recount confirms ruling party victory, 16/Mar/05

ZIMBABWE: Govt begins investigating NGOs over funding, 16/Mar/05

ZIMBABWE: Smaller parties hamstrung by lack of funds, 24/Feb/05

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