The leader of the Peoples Unity Party (PUP), Herbert Chamuka, has threatened to boycott the 2023 general elections citing a lack of meaningful electoral reforms.
Chamuka claimed that ZANU PF controls the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and law enforcement agencies, thereby, increasing the likelihood of another disputed election. Said Chimuka:
Proposed electoral reforms have not been implemented, ZANU PF still controls ZEC, police, the army and the courts.
If we go for elections next year, we will inevitably be in another disputed election because the current environment is favouring ZANU PF.
We believe even the printing of the ballot papers should not be done without the approval of the competing parties and this along with some of our demands that have not yet been met demonstrates how ZEC is still partisan.
The PUP leader said the country is yet to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore not ready to hold general elections. Said Chamuka:
Right now the aim should be to unite and come to an amicable arrangement that allows both the opposition and the government to work together and uplift the lives of Zimbabweans.
The country is not yet ready for a plebiscite given the current prevailing economic turmoil among other challenges, and whatever the result may be, the incoming government will face challenges that may result in another difficult five years for Zimbabwe.
Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa recently hinted that the party would boycott the elections if ZEC fails to address the party’s grievances. | NewZimbabwe.com