New Law Could Bar Nelson Chamisa From Zimbabwe Polls

Some Zanu-PF MPs say Zimbabwe's proposed Patriotic Bill should have clauses that impose a ban on local politicians who advocate sanctions against the country. The ruling party is accusing opposition leaders Tendai Biti and Nelson Chamisa of calling for western sanctions. The sanctions imposed nearly two decades ago by the U.S. and its European allies were introduced as a reaction to alleged rights abuses, corruption and poll theft by the then Robert Mugabe-led administration. Although the government says the law will punish citizens who communicate with foreign governments and "harm national interests", critics say this is a clear attempt to muzzle opposition and silence dissent.

This article originally appeared on All Africa

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