By Political Reporter- The leader of the sinking opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Douglas Mwonzora, has been appointed the spokesperson for the National Electoral Reforms Agenda (NERA).
NERA, comprising 25 political parties, including those absent from the 2023 elections, seeks to champion electoral reforms in response to Zimbabwe’s history of contentious elections.
Mwonzora emphasized NERA’s objective to spearhead electoral reforms, addressing the nation’s history of disputed elections.
He stated, “Our country has a history of disputed elections, and we need to stop that. Membership of NERA is open to all political parties, whether they participated in previous elections or not.”
Under Mwonzora’s leadership, MDC abstained from the 2023 elections, citing the necessity for electoral reforms.
They specifically contested and lost the delimitation exercise, alleging bias favouring the ruling party, ZANU PF.
Nelson Chamisa, current leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the primary opposition party, had previously threatened election boycotts until electoral reforms were implemented, despite participating in all previous elections.
The Mothlanthe Commission report, investigating the August 1, 2018, shooting incident in Harare, recommended electoral reforms.
During the incident, police and army fatally shot six civilians protesting the delayed release of presidential election results.
Zimbabwe’s history of disputed elections has strained relations with Western powers, demanding electoral reforms as a prerequisite for re-engagement.
Key elections, including those in 2008, 2018, and 2023, faced allegations of ZANU PF violence and claims of result manipulation in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Some political analysts argue that ZANU PF lacks motivation to implement reforms, given the perceived benefits of the current system.
Concerns among observers suggest that NERA’s hidden agenda might prioritize financial gains for its members over substantive reforms.