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The National Elections Reform Agenda (NERA) is vehemently concerned and seriously condemning the way the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is handling the accreditation process by demanding foreign currency payment from local observers.
NERA said a majority of citizens are not working, with unofficial unemployment levels estimated to be above 85%.
“It’s sad that ZEC demands that all citizens interested in being local observers must pay accreditation fees in United States Dollars. That is a total disenfranchisement of citizens. Why demand USD when we have our own currency? Worse off, asking for it from the unemployed citizens, what is it that they want us not to see?” asked Engineer Mugari, the NERA Executive Chairman.
“As if that is not enough we were shocked to hear that ZEC is printing ballot papers in black and white. Where in the world did this ever happen? ZEC should respect the citizens, and operate within the confines of the law,” Eng. Mugari said.
The NERA Executive Chairman is strongly warning ZEC that continuing this ‘unconstitutional behaviour’ has the potential to lead to massive nationwide demonstrations.
NERA is currently in consultation with political parties to agree on a date for the way forward on ZEC blunders and negligence and with a view of embarking on nationwide demonstrations.
“We will advise you of our outcome soonest, otherwise we will demonstrate right on the day of by-elections,” said NERA Executive Chairman Eng. Mugari.
NERA is pushing for a truly independent and impartial electoral commission that will embrace electoral reforms.
There was no comment from ZEC at the time of going to print.