Zanu PF Deputy Secretary for Legal Affairs and Mazowe South legislator, Cde Fortune Chasi, criticizes opposition CCC for unreasonable demands regarding the printing of ballot papers, calling them unprecedented globally.
Cde Chasi expressed his disapproval during a radio program, highlighting that the request to witness the printing process by political parties has never been implemented and was met with laughter from people from other countries.
He emphasized that the Second Republic has been engaging with the opposition and civil society to address electoral reforms, but stated that democracy is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement of the electoral legal framework.
Cde Chasi defended the whipping system in Parliament, asserting that political party members should abide by party rules and decisions. He dismissed claims that the system stifles democracy, explaining that party members have the opportunity to express their views within party structures before taking a collective position in Parliament.
In response, Mr Innocent Gonese of CCC expressed concerns about the recall provision in the Constitution, suggesting that it can be used to stifle debate. He advocated for a more inclusive process involving a petition, a certain percentage of signatures, and reasons for recall, with ZEC empowered to investigate the merits.
Cde Chasi criticized CCC’s attempt to blame Zanu PF for the failure to submit nomination papers for 12 candidates in Bulawayo. He clarified that Zanu PF takes the nomination process seriously, starting weeks in advance and conducting thorough background checks on candidates to ensure compliance with the deadline.
He advised other political parties to adopt similar organizational measures and avoid last-minute complications, emphasizing that the issue faced by the Bulawayo 12 was a result of poor planning rather than political manipulation.
