Citizens Coalition for Change’s (CCC) Spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has urged the government to reverse the appointment of ex-Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s daughter, Abigail Millicent Mohadi Ambrose, as a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) Commissioner.
Mohadi, together with six others were sworn in by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the ZEC leadership, raising eyebrows over the commission’s independence and impartiality as the country heads toward the elections.
The Commissioners were nominated by Parliament in terms of section237 and 238 of the constitution and candidates’ names were forwarded to Mnangagwa for approval and appointments.
However, the move fueled speculations from Zimbabweans who said Mohadi’s appointment leaves a sour taste in the electorate’s mouths, who have been accusing ZEC and ZanuPF of working in cahoots to steal elections.
Mahere questioned ZEC’s credibility and said Mohadi’s appointment must be reversed immediately.
“The Constitution explicitly requires ZEC to be independent and nonpartisan. This fragrant appearance of bias violates the constitutional imperative. The appointment must be rescinded forthwith,” Mahere said.
Former Minister, Walter Mzembi said the appointments were laughable and questioned Mnangagwa’s pedigree in the latest appointments.
“The pedigree of the ZEC commissioners is extremely laughable. You would think given the gravity of our issues in the country, President Mnangagwa would pick some very mature minds to supervise our electoral politics…” Mzembi said.
His sentiments were echoed by Herbert Chamuka, leader of an opposition outfit, the People’s Unity Party (PUP) who
“Kembo belongs to ZanuPF and his daughter will come to protect ZanuPF interests. It is not right for his daughter to be among the ZEC commissioners. What is Mnangagwa’s sincerity in appointing her?
This is clearly a strategy to rig the 2023 elections, Mnangagwa is already plotting to rig elections just as he has done in the past. He is capturing all critical institutions which will aid him to cling to power in 2023,” Chamuka said.
However, the government, through its spokesperson Nick Mangwana, said it was Mohadi’s Constitutional right to be employed by the government.
“Children and relatives of high profile people have the right to employment and service to their country as everyone else. That’s why it’s called ‘Equal Opportunities.” Mangwana said.
ZEC is already under fire for acting in support of the ruling, further denting the electorate’s trust in the commission.
The Elections Resource Centre (ERC) challenged the new commissioners to conduct their duties as stipulated in the constitution and in line with their oath of office.
