afrol News, 27 February - Zimbabwean police have been permitted to release firearms should the country's upcoming combined elections take a Kenya-style of post electoral violence.

"There has been talk in some opposition circles and civic organisations of street protests or Kenya-style riots if the ballot does not go in the favour of one's political party," Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri told reporters.

He dispelled the notion that "machetes, axes, bows and arrows cannot put anybody into office" and therefore urged electorate to maintain calm during and after the polls.

Under the Public Order and Security Act, Chihuri said, the police are mandated to release firearms if other methods are found "to be ineffective or inappropriate."

Ahead of the hotly-contested polls, Zimbabwean authorities have banned the carrying or using of weapons in public.

President Robert Mugabe, who celebrated his 84th birthday, will be challenged by three candidates, including the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, Morgan Tsvangirai and Simba Makoni, an independent candidate.

Makoni, a former minister and influential member of the ruling Zanu-PF party, has so far become the first person to challenge Mugabe within.

Mugabe has been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980. He is seeking a sixth term in office in the face of economic hardship and rising cost of living.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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