Farai Dziva|The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is demanding payment of accreditation fees for the Bikita East, ward 31 By-election in United States Dollars.

Although the government has banned the use of the US Dollar as legal tender in Zimbabwe, the commission is demanding payment of accreditation fees for observers and monitors in foreign currency.The by-election will be held on Saturday, July 13.The minimum payment is USD 10.

“We are simply implementing a directive from the head office.

Unfortunately our hands are tied so there is nothing we can do,” said a ZEC official.

Three political parties have fielded candidates for the by-election.

Zanu PF is being represented by Thomas Mataga while MDC is being represented by Moses Maposa. Peter Mavenga is representing NCA .