“The independence of ZEC is heavily compromised because of too much interference in its work by political parties especially Zanu (PF). We will be expecting a miracle if we hope that in 2018 a clean voters roll would be available,” Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou told a meeting organized by the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) in Masvingo last week .
Zhou said people had already lost faith in ZEC because of its links to Zanu (PF). “We all would have loved to see an independent body conducting our elections in a non-partisan manner,” he added.
Although ZEC chairperson Justice Rita Makarau could not be reached for a comment, Zanu (PF) spokesman Rugare Gumbo dismissed the claims as rubbish.
“As a party we do not interfere with ZEC operations and we feel the electoral body is just performing its mandate as prescribed in the constitution. Such remarks are just coming from people who are misinformed and who just hate the ruling party,” said Gumbo.
The MDC led by former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai and many others said last year’s polls had been rigged by Zanu (PF) largely using the Voter’s Roll, which has never been made public despite repeated demands and court challenges from parties, individuals and civil society.
Recently party spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora said they would not participate in any future polls unless a clean voters’ roll was made available.
Post published in: News