HARARE - The last thing an MDC activist wants is to be in the company of police, given the history of arrests and alleged beatings in police custody.

But for the past few days, hundreds of aspiring MDC candidates have been rushing to the Central Investigations Department (CID) headquarters to obtain criminal record clearances from the police in preparation for the party’s primary elections.

Though dates for the primaries are yet to be set, time is running out for aspiring candidates to prove that they are eligible for the positions they want to contest for.

One needs a police clearance to run in elections.

Zimbabwe will hold its general election this year, after a referendum set for March. - Bridget Mananavire