Staff Reporter
Members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), broke into the offices of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) with the alleged intention of stealing the voters’ role and discrediting the forthcoming elections.
The break-in occurred during the early hours of Sunday when a group of unidentified individuals forcibly gained entry into the ZEC Offices. Political analysts have ruled this as a desperate attempt by the CCC party to discredit the electoral process.
“I believe the main objective for this break-in by these CCC affiliates was to obtain the voters’ roll in an attempt to undermine the democratic processes
The Government has been preparing for the upcoming Harmonised General Elections, aimed at promoting democratic progress and stability. However, incidents like this seek to undermine the democratic electoral processes that the Zanu PF Government is promoting,” said political analyst, Morris Makande
Meanwhile, Government and ZEC officials have promptly condemned this unlawful act, highlighting that any attempt to tamper with electoral records undermines the integrity of the democratic process. ZEC officials are already working closely with Security Forces, to apprehend those responsible and prevent any further disruption to the electoral preparations.
“We are aware that it is the wish of the CCC party to make sure that elections are not held this year due to the overwhelming support that Zanu PF is drawing.
“Recently, the CCC party tried to draw the lawfare card insinuating that Zanu PF was using the Judiciary to cripple its effort to a fair election. This is absolute rubbish, the Judiciary is independent and is not partisan,” said Makande.
Reiterating Makande’s sentiments, political analyst, Terrence Chipwanya highlighted that this was not the first time that the CCC party has tried to cause chaos by questioning ZEC’s capability to handle free and fair elections.
“The opposition has often criticized the ZEC for alleged biases in favour of the ruling Zanu PF party, as a way of drawing the attention of the international community on cooked up concerns about the credibility of the upcoming elections.
“It is imperative for the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, to ensure the electoral process remains transparent and reflects the will of the people. The incident calls for strengthened security measures to safeguard voter information and prevent any further breaches,” said Chipwanya.
In August 2018, CCC members marched to ZEC Command Center demanding the release of results before they were fully collated. This led to a bloody demonstration, where they burned and destroyed infrastructure and property, while people were killed and maimed. Meanwhile, the international community is closely observing developments in Zimbabwe, recognizing the importance of free and fair elections for the country's political stability and economic growth. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for restraint and adherence to the rule of law before, during and after the plebiscite.
