Zim Electoral Commission Under-funded Becaause Of Sanctions – Chinamasa
21/02/2011 18:50:00
Harare, February 21, 2011 – Justice and Legal Affairs minister, Patrick
Chinamasa on Monday blamed ‘economic sanctions’ for the underfunding of the
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) at a time when the electoral body is set
to prepare for the referendum and general elections.
Chinamasa was speaking in Harare at the launch of ZEC’s strategic five year
plan at a local hotel. He said the country is battling to fund ZEC
operations due to economic sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU), the
United States and their allies.
Chinamasa said commissioners who have not been receiving their salaries
should expect them now after President Robert Mugabe approved their
conditions of service.
“We are all aware that the country remains under sanctions and is struggling
to recover from the effects of these illegal economic sanctions. I therefore
would urge the commission to bear with the government on the aspect of
timely delivery of resources. I think ZEC’s immediate needs will be met
sooner rather than later,” Chinamasa said.
“Finally the condition of service has been approved by the President and
details will be send to you in the formal way.”
ZEC also launched a new website that is meant to update voters and ordinary
people on its activities as well as to use the website to issue results
during elections time.
New ZEC commissioners were appointed last year which saw political parties
playing a role in the appointment of the commissioners. The new
commissioners were appointed as part of the constitutional amendment number
19 electoral reforms.
Although new commissioners were appointed to steer ZEC, Prime Minister
morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC party has complained that the secretariat of the
electoral body is staffed by intelligence operatives who are loyal and
support Mugabe.
The MDC has complained that the voters roll is still in shambles at a time
when the country may go for elections, the party has also blasted ZEC when
the electoral body delayed issuing results by weeks in 2008.