The MDC has accused the ruling ZANU-PF party of using its power to achieve political dominance in Zimbabwe.
In the paper unpacking the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) entitled; NERA, Genesis MDC Chairman Douglas Mwonzora Presidential spokesman Lloyd Damba said
Zanu PF ran state institutions such as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), the security sector, the judicial service and traditional leaders. Mwonzora is the national spokesperson for NERA.
He said all institutions were operating under the close supervision of the ZANU-PF.
“The independence and impartiality of the Interim Electoral Commission is at risk now more than ever because five of its commissioners are children of Zanu PF political bureau members.
“[This is] Making the Zimbabwean elections a showcase for ZANU-PF and nothing more than a five-year formality to return ZANU-PF to power. ZIK itself counts members of the above-mentioned bodies in its ranks, including Chief Electoral Officer Otluweli Silagwana who has been a thorn in the flesh of opposition political parties and one of the “outstanding issues” at the global forum.
The political agreement and electoral reforms demanded by the Movement for Democratic Change in the National Unity Government [Government of National Unity]. Silaiguana is a member of the military and his loyalty is also known.
Damba said that the security sector in Zimbabwe is monopolized by the ruling party at the expense of the opposition.
“The police have also been used to curtail political activities across the country using archaic, strict laws, and arbitrary arrests to instill fear and compliance among citizens.
“CIA officers have recently been cornered into subcommittees of the Central Electoral Commission for the sole purpose of manipulating the vote.
“These state agencies have used the distribution of food aid and agricultural inputs as a weapon, thus crushing the opposition,” he said. “Against some articles of the Constitution we have seen the above mentioned, directly participating in candidacy and at the same time swearing allegiance to the ruling party, unleashing terror and reaping fear among voters making The electoral process is illegal.”
The MDC spokesperson also accused the traditional leaders of belonging to the ZANU-PF party, which has eroded their independence. Newsday
