ZEC ‘dodges’ hyperinflation

MOSES MATENGA /ANESU MASAMVU

While the country is reeling from a hyperinflationary environment that has seen prices of commodities and services skyrocketing, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said they have managed to proactively secure necessary material to run elections pouring cold water on speculation that the existing economic crisis may affect running of the polls.

ZEC said despite the economic crisis, they have managed to get support from the Treasury.

The electoral body’s deputy chief elections officer, Tongai Simbarashe said with what they have received so far, they were able to overcome the skyrocketing exchange rate and rising inflation to procure election material to ensure an effective management of the August 23 polls.

ZEC is expected to set up close to twelve thousand polling stations across the country.

“…Our initial budget was ZWL$102 bn. We procured most of the needs on time. In terms of key electoral materials, we have since procured them,” he said.

He added: “You also appreciate that mid-year, we are allowed to revise budget taking into consideration the inflationary issues which we have since done as ZEC.

“We are receiving support from Treasury and as of today, all our needs are catered for.”

Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday hinted that there could be some candidates who failed to sail through yesterday’s nomination process.

He was speaking after attending the Nomination Court yesterday where he was accompanied by his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

The Nomination Court sitting also confirmed the ouster of former Finance Minister Tendai Biti from Harare East constituency as a Member of Parliament under the Citizens Coalition for Change. Biti who is the opposition CCC interim deputy president will be replaced by the current Harare North MP Rusty Markham.

Speaking to journalists at Harare High Court yesterday after verifying his details with the nomination court, CCC leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa said his deputy will have a new role in the party, a move some observers say is a demotion.

There were reports of chaos in some parts of the country where the CCC is said to have fielded double candidates due to the opaque nomination process internally.

Among those who filed their nomination papers for President are Mnangagwa, Chamisa, MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora and exiled former Minister Saviour Kasukuwere.