“This is an urgent matter which should be resolved immediately because we are going to a referendum soon and elections anytime this year. We are expecting the GPA principals to meet on Monday next week and appoint a chair for the commission,” said Gutu.
Mutambanengwe resigned on health grounds according to Justice and Legal Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa who made the announcement on Tuesday this week He was appointed as ZEC chairperson on 31 March 2010 taking over from George Chiweshe who was later appointed Judge President of the High Court.
Mutambanengwe faced criticism after opting to operate from his Namibian base.
His term of office was expected to expire in 2016.
ZEC Vice Chairperson Joyce Kazembe, has been acting in Mutambanengwe’s position since 2010.
Last year President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai reportedly clashed over a suitable candidate to replace Mutambanengwe who is believed to have hinted considering quitting the post.
Tsvangirai is said to have pushed for the appointment of Supreme Court judge, Wilson Sandura, which reportedly did not go down well with Mugabe.
ZEC is responsible for the management of all elections and referendums including the election of the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Assembly and local authorities.
The commission is also responsible for the delimitation of wards and constituencies, in addition to directing, controlling and supervising the registration of voters.
Post published in: News