DISCLAIMER: The opinion expressed in the below article is the writer’s alone.
By Chido Chikuni

The recent claim by a local think tank, Zimbabwe Democracy Institute (ZDI), that Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), together with the state security agents assists the ruling party, ZANU-PF, in rigging elections does not hold any water but it’s just a mere accusation.
Firstly, Pedzisai Ruhanya, who is the ZDI Director, should know that there is nothing wrong for security forces to work at ZEC. The fact that security forces were selected to work at ZEC means that there are competent and efficient enough to work at that institution. One would wonder if there is an Act in the Constitution or a condition that prohibits officers from security forces to perform any other duties in the Government. Security forces are there to serve the nation, hence, they can be directed to do any duties that assist in developing the nation.
ZDI came openly criticizing ZEC claiming that it was stuffed with Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) operatives. Ruhanya also condemned the ZEC chairperson, Justice Rita Makarau saying that she was undoubtedly a product of the ruling party patronage network. Contrary to Ruhanya’s waffling, there is nothing wrong for Justice Makarau to perform her duty despite her political affiliation.
Most commissioners at ZEC were seconded either by the opposition MDC-T party or the revolutionary ZANU-PF during the Government of National Unity. So there is indeed no reason for ZDI to make noise Makarau whose position was also endorsed by the opposition.
It is known that Ruhanya is a holder of doctorate degree in media and democracy from thye University of Westminster in Britain. For that reason, a learned person like Ruhanya should resist from waffling nonsense in the media.
As a product of the western world, Ruhanya’s mind could have been colonized so much that his line of thinking is now in tandem with the regime change agenda.
ZDI is said to be a one-man’s think tank. Ruhanya has nothing constructive to say than singing for his supper. As a Non-Governmental Organization, ZDI receives funds from donors. Most NGOs have an agenda of regime change in this country, hence, Ruhanya is a catalyst in this equation.
It is worrisome that some so called analysts, including some those who are not even based in Zimbabwe, want to set an agenda for this country.
Also, it is incorrect for MDC Renewal Team spokesperson, Jacob Mafume to say that Justice Makau was supposed to engage political parties that boycotted elections. Honestly, on what grounds was she supposed to engage these opposition parties? Is it supposed to be a matter of fact finding on why a political party failed to participate in the by-elections.
Those blaming ZEC for rigging elections should provide tangible facts or proof which shows that elections were rigged. Ruhanya’s allegations are baseless. When think tanks like ZDI makes such allegations, they should come out with evidence to prove them. It is easy for ZDI to waffle lies, but it becomes very difficult for it to come up with facts to back up such lies.
Despite all the allegations and blames put on ZEC, ZANU-PF remains the people’s choice.
DISCLAIMER: The opinion expressed in the above article is the writer’s alone.