Zec’s silence on elections worrisome

SINCE independence, Zanu PF has been manipulating electoral processes through armtwisting the electoral body, hence our call for reforms and transparency at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec).

The time is now for Zec to be independent and conduct free, fair and credible elections.

This can be done only if Zec is demilitarised so that political parties are given voters’ rolls on time.

On top of that, it is also important that all political parties know where the ballot papers are printed and kept.

We demand that there be equal opportunities for political parties to be given free airplay at Statecontrolled televisions, radio stations and newspapers.

It is sad to note that the referee, Zec, is taking orders from Zanu PF — one of the playing teams, given the status quo, free and fair elections can never be conducted.

This is tantamount to curtailing Zimbabweans’ ability to exercise their democratic right to vote.

Zimbabweans should not shelve their democratic right because of COVID-19.

Some Southern African Development Community countries are holding elections while observing COVID-19 protocols, why not us.

Several constituencies and wards are unrepresented in the National Assembly and local authorities owing to deaths and the carnage caused by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora, but Zec is conspicuous by its silence over its mandate.

Today, we are almost 15 months away from the next election, but Zec is not willing to level the playing field. Electoral reforms can aid the credibility of elections.