Finance Minister Tendai Biti recently revealed that Zimbabwe would be forced to look to Western countries and donor agencies to fund the forthcoming elections.
He said countries such as the United Kingdom and Norway had an obligation to fund Zimbabwe’s elections in the same way they supported critical sectors such as health and education. However, Zanu (PF) spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, said his party was strongly opposed to overseas funding.
“We can not be taking money from Western nations to run our elections,” said Gumbo.
Gumbo added that Western nations were bent on destroying Zanu (PF) and they could not be trusted.
“How can we be taking money from Western nations when they have imposed sanctions on us? What kind of a mockery is that? We will not accept any funding for the elections which comes from Britain or any of its Western allies. The money has to come from somewhere else, not these Western people.
That is our position as a party,” said Gumbo. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission says it requires $300 million to bankroll the referendum on the new constitution as well as elections expected next year. Of the $300 million, $100 million will go towards financing the referendum while the remainder will be set aside for elections.
Recently, ZEC deputy chairperson, Kazembe. said the Commission did not have funds for the two critical processes. MDC-T spokesperson, Douglas Mwonzora, said the inclusive government had been relying on Western funds since its inception.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with Western countries funding our elections. In fact, they (Western countries) have been funding our key processes in the inclusive government. They have been funding our health, education and constitution process,” said Mwonzora. Mwonzora said Zanu (PF’s) rejection of Western funds was an attempt to throw a spanner into the work currently being done to ensure credible elections in the country.
“Zanu (PF) is afraid of elections,” added Mwonzora.
Contrary to Gumbo’ sentiments, MDC-N spokesperson, Kurauone Chihwayi, said Zimbabwe was justified in looking for monetary support from Western nations.
“The MDC does not have any problem with the external funding of national processes such as elections as long as there is justification for that,” said Chihwayi.
He said the looting of mineral resources by Zanu (PF) big wigs had forced the country to resort to donors for financial support.
“We are concerned by the lack of transparency in the mining industry where diamonds are secretly auctioned. The Zimbabwean government should stop the looting of mineral resources first before seeking external assistance,” said Chihwayi.
Post published in: News