Nelson Chamisa, leader of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has strongly criticized the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) following a problematic start to the plebiscite in most urban areas of the country.
Zimbabweans are casting their votes in a crucial election, deciding the Presidency, National Assembly, and Local Authority positions.
Unfortunately, the election got off to a rocky start in many urban areas due to ZEC’s failure to deliver voting materials on time.
Chamisa, after casting his ballot in Kuwadzana, expressed his disappointment with the electoral body, stating that it had let down the majority of the electorate.
“ZEC has failed us. People came out in large numbers. They are deliberately targeting urban areas. They (Zanu PF) are aware that we are winning this election, and we have already won. There is overwhelming support in both urban and rural areas,” Chamisa declared.
Reports from various urban areas visited by NewZimbabwe yesterday morning showed that voting did not commence until as late as 4pm.
Observers and opposition leaders have criticized ZEC for its handling of this year’s general elections in light of these delays.
For instance, at Kuwadzana 3 primary school in Harare, ballot papers arrived at 10:00 am, while in Kambuzuma, people were still waiting in long queues to cast their votes at midday.
Despite the challenges, Chamisa remains optimistic about his chances of electoral victory, as this is his second attempt at the presidency.
“We have sent our teams around to denounce this. We have alerted ZEC that we are not happy with its conduct. We hope they will attend to this. What I can say is Zimbabwe has been remembered. This is our time. There is going to be peace in Zimbabwe. We are going to have a new government in Zimbabwe,” Chamisa affirmed.
