Political commentators say the recently-appointed new members of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) are either too young or compromised by their relations to defend the integrity of electoral processes.
On 7 June 2022, President Emmerson Mnangagwa swore in six commissioners at State House — Catherine Mpofu, Abigal Millicent Mohadi Ambrose, Shepherd Manhivi, Rosewita Marutare, Janet Mbetu Nzvenga and Kudzai Shava.
The six replaced commissioners whose term of office came to an end on 6 July 2022.
Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu said the ages of the commissioners leave a lot to be desired. He said:
The ages of the commissioners mean that they are easy to intimidate and… they are compromised by their connections and relations.
I think this is the worst process of replacing commissioners that Zimbabwe has had since the setting up of ZEC.
Not only had the majority of people compromised daughters of active politicians in ZANU PF, former civil servants, and all sorts of shady characters who now constitute ZEC.
I think this is the first point of a disputed electoral outcome no matter how ZANU PF and ZEC may defend the integrity of electoral processes in Zimbabwe. That was very political, but beyond political.
We are essentially in the straws of a disputed election in 2023 which will further prolong the political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe.
Another political analyst, Vivid Gwede said that the nomination of people with close ties to key ZANU PF figures was a cause for concern.
However, ZEC spokesperson Jasper Mangwana said the commission had nothing to do with the commissioners’ appointments. Said Mangwana:
ZEC is not the one that employs the commissioners, but it is Parliament that has that mandate, but basically, I don’t see anything wrong with giving opportunities to the youth.
ZANU PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu also said the commissioners went through interviews adding that experience and qualifications have nothing to do with age or gender.
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