Rollout of e-passport must be transparent

THE MDC Alliance is extremely concerned at the latest move by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime to introduce an e-passport in a manner that does not comply with the principles of administrative justice established in section 68 of the Constitution.

We have consistently challenged the regime’s penchant for dodgy deals and the failure to comply with due process and a transparent tender regime in the award of public contracts including this very passport production one.

We further take issue with the fact that a bank associated with the regime has been awarded a statutory monopoly to collect passport application fees.

We are further told that the old passport will be phased out in 2023 despite earlier undertakings that all passports would be allowed to run their course.

These contradictory messages are clumsy and unacceptable.

The policy confusion betrayed in this regard is not only grossly unreasonable, but erodes the already depleted trust the people have in the system.

Certainty, efficiency and rational decision-making are core tenets of good governance that the Constitution obliges public officials to adhere to.

We urge the regime in Harare to conduct wide consultations with stakeholders as required by law before the roll out of basic public services and to ensure that corrupt practices are investigated and eradicated.

Under an MDC Alliance government, the welfare and best interests of the people will return to all administrative decision-making.

Fadzayi Mahere MDC Alliance national spokesperson