by Staff reporter
The MDC-Alliance is planning to put forward candidature objection affidavits to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) following the MDC-T’s submission to the electoral board, a list of candidates to replace those who were recalled from the House of Assembly and the Senate.
ZEC, in terms of section 39(6) of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) has already notified the public of the nomination made by the MDC T to fill vacancies in Parliament. ZEC has advised members who wish to lodge objections to the nominations to do so in writing within 14 days from the date of the publication of the notice.
A contact within the MDC-A revealed that the party’s ousted organising secretary, Amos Chibaya has already directed the provincial assemblies to put forward at least 250 affidavits of objection to the nominations. Chibaya reportedly explained that the process was in line with the Electoral Act.
“The provincial chairpersons were directed to make sure that all the Constituency Coordination Committees (CCC) in their respective provinces and the provincial executive members complete the affidavits. Each constituency is required to complete at least 20 forms,” said the contact.
Bulawayo Provincial Assembly Chairperson, James Sithole told his executive that the nomination of MDC T acting leader, Dr Thokozani Khupe must be vehemently objected. Other members whose candidatures have to be objected are; Khalipani Phugeni (MDC T National Spokesperson), Dorothy Ndlovu (National Women’s Assembly Chairperson), and Thamani Moyo (Bulawayo Provincial Women’s Assembly Chairperson).
The contact said the MDC-A’s argument was that section 45 E (2) of the Electoral Act requires the identity of the party nominating the candidate, specifically the party name, abbreviation and distinct symbols, which appearred on the ballot paper.
“The party (MDC A) is also arguing that since July 2018 harmonised elections, they submitted their party list using the characteristic distinct symbol of an open palm and the face of MDC-A leader, Nelson Chamisa inside it. They, therefore, believe that they have the exclusive right to nominate replacement for candidate to the party list,” said the contact.
A political analyst, Paul Mufunda averred that the MDC-A was chasing the wild goose. He said they were just attempting to block the MDC-T from replacing the recalled MDC-A members.
“The court ruled that there is no political party called MDC-Alliance, hence they cannot raise such arguments with ZEC. They are now taking their ownership battle to ZEC as if the electoral board is a higher court, which can reverse the court ruling. I don’t think ZEC will entertain them at all,” said Mufunda.
The latest development is going to further strain the acrimonious fight between Chamisa and Khupe factions, which ensured when the courts ruled in March that Chamisa as an illegitimate leader of the MDC.
