Opposition party candidates in the Gutu West constituency by-election held on Saturday are facing a setback as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) refuses to entertain their complaints of rigging and electoral malpractices. Zanu PF candidate John Paradza emerged as the winner with a significant lead over his opponents.
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Ephraim Morudu and independent candidate Sebastian Mudzingwa have declined to endorse the election results, citing various irregularities. They allege voter intimidation by Zanu PF, claiming that Zanu PF affiliate Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) coerced voters into revealing ballot paper serial numbers and set up booths at polling stations to register voters after they cast their ballots. Additionally, they accuse Zanu PF members of campaigning within polling stations, which violates the Electoral Act.
Despite these concerns, Zec deputy chief elections officer Rodney Kiwa dismisses the candidates’ refusal to sign the V23 form, stating that it is their choice, and the election was conducted perfectly. Several electoral observer missions have also raised concerns about FAZ’s conduct during the voting process.
“We will not force them to endorse the results. That is their choice. We have nothing to do with that issue. What we know is that the election was run perfectly, and I say very perfectly. So whatever they are saying is none of our business. As Zec we can’t force anyone to sign for the results. I will not even bother to comment on that,” Kiwa said.
Electoral watchdogs and human rights organizations have expressed alarm over Zec’s alleged tolerance of electoral malpractices, particularly in light of upcoming by-elections on December 9.
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network’s report on the Gutu West by-election reveals a high number of assisted voters at some polling stations, raising questions about the integrity of the process.
“The highest number of assisted voters was recorded at Chiguhune Primary School in Gutu West, where 67 out of 270 people were assisted, translating to 25% assisted voters at this particular polling station. In the same constituency, 51 out of 378 voters at Mbirikira Primary School, 11 out of 122 voters at Ingogo Farm Tent, 8 out of 137 voters at Chindida and 11 out of 154 voters at Rufaro High School were assisted in casting their ballots,” reads the ZESN report.
Various individuals and organizations have highlighted the persistence of electoral violence and malpractices since the August 23 elections.
Zanu PF director of information Farai Marapira has dismissed the accusations of rigging, labelling the opposition party candidates as “crybabies” and asserting that Zanu PF won the election fair and square.
The refusal of Zec to address the complaints from opposition party candidates adds to the concerns surrounding the electoral process in Zimbabwe and raises questions about the fairness and transparency of future elections.
