keeping the printing of the ballot as a guarded secret just exposes ED’s regime, a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Zwnews Chief Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s sincerity to hold fair elections has come under scrutiny, as the electoral body searches for tenders for equipment to be used during the elections, sidestepping tenders for ballot paper printing.
The unavailability of ballot paper printing on the list of services being sought by ZEC has exposed its double standards. Opposition parties in Zimbabwe are clamouring for transparency on who is going to print the materials to be used in voting.
Some of the things being sought in the tenders by ZEC include vehicles and other materials to be used; leaving the printing of ballot papers a closely guarded secret.
Meanwhile, some political parties in the country, especially the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance, led by Nelson Chamisa are planning a demonstration in Harare on Tuesday 5 June 2018, demanding transparency by the Commission.
The demo is expected to start from the Africa Unity Square to ZEC offices where a petition is expected to be handed over, then to President Emmerson Mnangagwa (ED)’s office where another one is to be handed over. The march is scheduled to end at the Africa Unity Square again, where Chamisa is expected to address the gathering.
According to renowned political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya, ZEC cannot be a secret organisation when it runs a critical public matter to do with the life of Zimbabwe.
Another political analyst, Upsetter Maune, concurs with Dr Ruhanya says by keeping the printing of the ballot as a guarded secret just exposes ED’s regime, a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
“The printing of ballot papers should be open, all parties must agree on the printer and security of the papers, or else we may see a boycott of the much anticipated polls,” he says.
He says for elections to be regarded free and fair, all stakeholders must be contented with every process of it. He articulates that this extends to the international community which is key in legitimising the results, adding that Zimbabwe cannot afford to have sour relations with the west once again, as history has given the country a rude awakening.
ZEC’s double standards has also exposed the President , who since coming to power has declared that he is willing to hold free and fair elections. He is on record saying all interested observers were free to come, as he has nothing in his chest to hide. zwnews
