Turmoil hits ZEC as polls near

ANESU MASAMVU

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is faced with massive staff exodus and subdued morale within its rank and file due to poor remuneration among a plethora of other challenges that observers say may put a dent on the capacity of the institution to run a smooth and credible election.

Zimbabwe goes for elections in August with all eyes on the electoral mother body that has in the past accused of running “sham elections” by the opposition and other institutions.

According to a 2022 Annual Report released by Parliament today (Tuesday), the commission is struggling to fill vacant posts following mass exodus of mainly competent stuff frustrated by poor remuneration and unpleasant working conditions.

“The year under review was very difficult as staff morale across the board was low due to depressed remuneration despite salaries having been reviewed twice in April and July,” the report reads in part.

“The Commission was granted authority to fill 173 vacant posts in September 2021. The recruitment process is still in progress as it was delayed by the Covid-19 restrictions.”

In terms of budgetary allocation, in 2022, the Commission said they failed to access all the money they were allocated.

“The original budget allocated for 2022 financial year for all programs was ZW$11.6 billion. The budget was revised upwards to ZWL$44.3 billion to support two mobile voter registration exercises, the 26 March by-elections, voter inspection, and delimitation activities. Out of the allocation, the Commission only accessed ZWL$29 billion,” the Commission said in its report.

On the much debated delimitation report, ZEC Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba said: “Still on delimitation, I am pleased to report that the Commission was able to work within the given timeframe and managed to submit the report to the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) as required by the law.”

 

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