Zimbabwean electoral body refutes allegations of impropriety in procurement of 2023 election materials
In a move to quell growing public concern, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has firmly refuted social media reports and rumors alleging improper procurement practices in the lead-up to the country’s 2023 Harmonised Elections.
In a statement released by the acting Chief Elections Officer, Ms C. Ngandini, ZEC unequivocally denied having any contractual relationships with the individuals being named in the online reports. The Commission stressed that all election materials were procured in accordance with established regulations and subjected to due diligence and oversight.
See statement below:
ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
MISLEADING SOCIAL MEDIA REPORTS
We have noted with great concern social media posts and rumours circulating online, that are causing public alarm and despondency and we would like to put it on record that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has no contract nor did it procure any election material from or through individuals being mentioned in the reports.
All materials procured for the 2023 Harmonised Elections were obtained in line with procurement regulations and there was due diligence as all tender processes were subjected to oversight.
We challenge all those alleging that the Commission has a contract with the three individuals to come forward and present the same.
We want to also publicly declare that the actual amounts used for the procurement of all the election materials were far less than the figures being mischievously circulated on social media. All election materials procured during the 2023 Harmonised Elections were delivered on time.
The Commission has also checked with the supplier who categorically stated in writing that they did not have any contract with the same individuals for the supply of election materials during the 2023 Harmonised Elections. Furthermore, there were no third parties between the Commission and all election material suppliers.
Any statements suggesting a contractual link between ZEC and these individuals for the supply of the 2023 Harmonised Elections materials are inaccurate, misleading and mischievous and therefore should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. The Commission assures all its stakeholders that all procurements were above board.
Ms C. Ngandini
Acting Chief Elections Officer
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
