Ahead of a municipal by-election in Kuwadzana, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance is accusing Zanu PF political commissar Victor Matemadanda of distributing 28 tonnes of maize meal in a “crass act of vote-buying in violation of the Electoral Act.”
The biggest opposition party said since ZEC is ‘captured’, it will turn a blind eye to this violation of the laws of the land. There are reports from opposition circles that elsewhere, especially in rural areas and those areas where there are pending by-elections, Zanu PF continues to illegally use food as a political weapon.
The MDC argues that this is the reason why some in the country have lost faith in the electoral route but as a party it seeks to use democratic means in the prosecution of the struggle against Zanu PF rule.
“We will continue to fight for reforms to ensure the electoral route is vaccinated against Zanu PF’s piranha instincts. As a party, we have unstinting faith in democracy and in the electoral route. That has always been the culture and character of the party and that is why a comprehensive reform agenda is one of our key demands.
“We challenge ZEC to take action on Matemadanda but we are well aware that the captured election management body will do no such thing. ZEC
has shown that it is an extension of Zanu PF and we challenge them to take decisive action against the Zanu PF political commissar not only to
prove their autonomy but also to show their teeth, assuming they have them,” said Luke Tamborinyoka, MDC Deputy National Spokesperson.
He argues that a “captured ZEC” is one of the reasons why the MDC national executive on Friday adopted an alternative Electoral Bill that will, among other key tenets, ensure that ZEC is a truly independent and impartial institution.
“Despite Victor’s vote-buying antics, we know Zanu PF will not be victors in Kuwadzana. What Victor has simply done is dare ZEC to take action. ZEC must step up to the plate and if they don’t take action, and by the good heavens they will not, then Victor’s Kuwadzana antics provide glaring evidence why this country is always mired in this vicious cycle of disputed elections, which has bred the illegitimacy that is at the very heart of our current national crisis,” Tamborinyoka added.