The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has warned that aspiring candidates for the harmonised elections who will use “banned symbols” as party emblems will be disqualified at the nomination court.
Nomination forms, which are filled in by candidates and submitted together with other relevant papers, have a section where a party symbol should be attached or drawn.

Elections officer for Bulawayo province Mr Innocent Ncube yesterday said according to the law, about 15 symbols were prohibited from being used by parties.

He said Zec will immediately reject any forms that come with prohibited symbols attached on them. Mr Ncube could not give the reason why the symbols were prohibited.

“As Zec we’re implementing the law as it is. About 15 symbols are prohibited from being used by any political party according to section 146 of the Electoral Act, Chapter 213.

“These symbols include the elephant, buffalo, lion, rhinoceros, snake, leopard, cheetah, owl, cobra, griffon and birds of prey such as the eagle and the secretary bird. Other prohibited symbols include a laurel or wreath, the flame lily, flaming torch, sword and axe,” said Mr Ncube.

He said Zec checks for these symbols when political parties submit letters notifying them about their intentions to contest in the elections and also check when candidates submit their nomination papers.

“When we see any of the prohibited symbols we immediately reject the papers and ask the political parties to use symbols that are allowed.

“On the papers, there’s a section where candidates are expected to attach or draw pictures of their party symbol. We therefore make sure that the symbol is not a prohibited one,” said Mr Ncube.

Aspiring candidates started submitting their nomination papers on Monday in preparation for the Nomination Court, which will sit on Thursday next week to receive names of aspiring candidates ahead of the general elections July 30.

Presidential candidates will be required to pay $1 000 while those aspiring for the National Assembly will part with $50.

Aspiring councillors will not be paying anything while the six Senatorial candidates for each party pay a combined $100 per province. The same applies to the National Assembly candidates under the proportional representation. -state media

A FORM Four pupil at Mzingwane High School, Umzingwane District in Matabeleland South allegedly committed suicide by hanging, fearing disciplinary action over alleged theft, an official has confirmed.
Ryan Siziba (16) of Bellevue suburb in Bulawayo hanged himself on the roof trusses of a disused boiler room behind the school hostels using his belt. His body was found on Wednesday at around 6AM.

Sources said Ryan had allegedly stolen food from other pupil’s trunks with a 15-year-old friend from Pumula North in Bulawayo.

“On Tuesday, at around 3PM, the two went into the Form Ones’ hostel and stole some food from trunks and returned to their hostels where they ate the food. The boarding master, Mr Mazisi Mpofu received a report from other students to the effect that there had been a theft of food stuffs and the two were implicated as they had been seen earlier in those hostels,” said a source at the school.

“Later that evening, at around 9PM, Ryan’s friend approached the boarding master and confessed to have committed the crime with him. The boarding master dismissed him, promising to interview each one of them. After Siziba didn’t return to his hostel, a search was conducted the following morning around the school premises. The now deceased was found by Ncube and another pupil (16) hanging from the roof trusses of a disused boiler room behind the school hostels,” said the source that preferred anonymity.

The two pupils reported the matter to the school authorities who in turn made a formal report to the police.
The now deceased’s parents who had been contacted the previous night about what their son had done and that he had then gone missing, arrived at the school early on Wednesday morning, to search for their son.

Unfortunately they bumped into police officials who had arrived to attend the scene at around 6AM.
“It was sad moment after Siziba’s parents had dashed to the school to come and search for their son and had to arrive at the same time with the police who had come to the case of suicide,” said the source.

Police took the body to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for post-mortem.
Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director (PED) Mr Lifias Masukume expressed shock at the incident.

“I am currently out of the province on work commitments but I can confirm the province received the message about a pupil who committed suicide by hanging at the mentioned school. At the time of departure from the office the police had been informed and the district was yet to submit a detailed report,” he said.

Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Joram Sithole, yesterday said investigations into the case of sudden death were in progress.
In August last year, a Form Two pupil at Silveira High School in Bikita allegedly committed suicide after being bullied by a schoolmate.

The body of the 14-year-old was found hanging from a beam of a building at the Roman Catholic-run school.
Some said he committed suicide after being threatened by a fellow pupil who claimed to own a big snake that he intended to use in harming him, in a suspected Satanism threat.

In October 2017, a Grade Six pupil at Mckeurtan Primary School in Bulawayo also allegedly hanged himself from a tree in a bush dividing Nketa 8 and Emganwini at an apostolic sect shrine, quite a distance from his home.

The pupil was a relative to Nomakhwezi Mzaca Nkomo (14), a pupil at Townsend High School who had hanged herself a month earlier at her family home in Sunninghill suburb after her mother ordered her to do her homework before watching South African soapie, Generations: The Legacy, on television.

Again in November last year, an Upper Six pupil from Sizane High School in Bulawayo allegedly tried to commit suicide twice after she was caught cheating in a Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Biology paper 3 examination.
– state media

London – A UK based Zimbabwean businesswoman who has defrauded many vulnerable diasporans was caught in the act last night.

The 40 year old, Fungai Maruta, was exposed LIVE on ZimEye.com soon after she tried to edit one of her her key funeral policy’s founding documents. WATCH THE PROGRAM BELOW:

*Nomination Court – Times and Venues*

3. Councilors

14 June, 2018 at 10:00am at the following venues:

• Beitbridge Rural District Council – Offices of the Chief Executive Officer, 275, Hagel Thorn Road, Beitbridge.

• Beitbridge Municipality – Office of the Town Clerk, 290, Juspicia Road, Beitbridge.

• Bikita Rural District Council – Offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Bikita RDC, Nyika Growth Point, Bikita.

• Bindura Rural District Council – Offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Bindura RDC, Manhenga Growth Point.

• Municipality of Bindura – Offices of the Town Clerk, 565, Thurlow Avenue, Bindura.

• Binga Rural District Council – Offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Binga RDC, Binga Growth Point.

• Bubi Rural District Council – Offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Bubi RDC.

• Buhera Rural District Council – Officies of the Chief Executive Officer of the Buhera RDC, Murambinda Growth Point.

• Bulilima Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Bulilima RDC, 22, Station Road, Plumtree,

• City of Bulawayo – the offices of the Town Clerk, District Municipal Chambers Building, Fife Street, Bulawayo.

• Chakonda Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Chaminuka RDC, Chakonda

• Chegutu Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Chegutu RDC, 3 Alexander Avenue, Chegutu.

• Municipality of Chegutu – the offices of the Town Clerk, 34, Queen Street, Chegutu.

• Chikomba Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Chikomba RDC, Stand No. 541, Terreblance, Chivhu.

• Chimanimani Rural District Council – offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Chimanimani RDC, Chimanimani Village, Chimanimani.

• Municipality of Chinhoyi – the offices of the Town Clerk, Civic Center, Magamba Way, Chinhoyi.

• Chipinge Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Chipinge RDC.

• Chipinge Town Council – the offices of the Town Clerk, Civic Center, Chipinge.

• Chiredzi Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Chiredzi RDC.

• Chiredzi Town Council – the offices of the Town Clerk, 69 Inyati Road, Chiredzi.

• Municipality of Chitungwiza – the offices of the Town Clerk, Stand No. 6004, Tilcor Drive, Chitungwiza.

• Chivi Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Chivi RDC.

• Epworth Local Board – the offices of the Secretary of the Epworth Local Board, Stand 1038, Chiremba, Epworth.

• Gokwe Town Council – the Gokwe Town Council Offices, Gokwe.

• Gokwe North Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Gokwe North RDC, Nembudziya.

• Gokwe South Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Gokwe South RDC, Gokwe Center.

• Goromonzi Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Goromonzi South RDC, Lot A of Oaks, Ruwa

• Guruve Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Guruve South RDC, Shinje.

• Gutu Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Gutu RDC.

• Gwanda Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Gwanda RDC, Stand No. 605, Corner Khartoum Street and fourth Avenue, Gwanda.

• Municipality of Gwanda – the offices of the Town Clerk, corner Fourth Avenue and Lawley Street, Gwanda.

• City of Gweru – the offices of the Town Clerk, Civic Center, corner Ninth Street and Robert Mugabe Way, Gweru.

• City of Harare – the office of the Town Clerk, Town House, Julius Nyerere Way, Harare

• Hurungwe Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Hurungwe RDC, Stand No. 1, Magunje Growth Point.

• Hwange Local Board – the offices of the Secretary of the Hwange Local Board.

• Hwange Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Hwange RDC.

• Hwedza Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Hwedza RDC, Stand No. 10, Hwedza.

• Insiza Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Insiza RDC, Filabusi Centre, Inziza.

• City of Kadoma – the offices of the Town Clerk, Fitts Square, Kadoma.

• Municipality of Kariba – the offices of the Town Clerk, Old Administration Block, Kariba Heights, Kariba.

• Karoi Town Council – the offices of the Secretary of the Karoi Town Council, 78 Brooks Avenue.

• Kusile Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Kusile RDC.

• City of Kwekwe – the offices of the Town Clerk, Civic Center, Kwekwe.

• Makonde Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Makonde RDC, House No. PO89, NRZ Houses, Murereka Township, Lions Den

• Makoni Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Makoni RDC, 398 Stockton Street, Rusape.

• Mangwe Rural District Council – the Mangwe TMB Hall, 320 Central Avenue, Plumtree.

• Manyame Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Manyame RDC, Beatrice.

• Municipality of Marondera, the offices of the Town Clerk, “The Green”, Marondera.

• Marondera Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Marondera RDC, North Road, Marondera.

• Municipality of Masvingo – the offices of the Town Clerk, Civic Centre, Masvingo.

• Masvingo Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Masvingo RDC, Nemanwa Growth Point.

• Matobo Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Matobo RDC, Maphisa.

• Mazowe Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mazowe RDC, Tsungubvi Community Hall, Glendale.

• Mberengwa Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mberengwa RDC, Mataga Administration Offices, Mataga.

• Mbire Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mbire RDC.

• Mhondoro-Ngezi Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mhondoro-Ngezi RDC, Mamina Growth Point.

• Mudzi Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mudzi RDC, Stand No. 1, Kotwa Growth Point.

• Murehwa Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Murehwa RDC, Murehwa Growth Point.

• City of Mutare – the offices of the Town Clerk, Civic Centre, Corner Queen’s Way and Robert Mugabe Street, Mutare.

• Mutare Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mutare RDC, Corner C Avenue and Riverside Street, Mutare.

• Mutasa Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mutasa RDC, Mutasa District Centre, Mutasa.

• Mutoko Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mutoko RDC, Mutoko Growth Point.

• Muzarabani Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Muzarabani RDC, Centenary.

• Mwenezi Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Mwenezi RDC, Neshuro Growth Point.

• Norton Town Council – the offices of the Secretary of the Norton Town Council, 208 Galloway Road, Norton.

• Nkayi Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nkayi RDC.

• Nyaminyami Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nyaminyami RDC, Siakobvu Growth Point.

• Nyanga Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nyanga RDC, 111 Rochadale Street, Nyanga.

• Pfura Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Pfura RDC, Dotito.

• Plumtree Town Council – the offices of the Secretary of the Plumtree Town Council, DDF Hall, ZRP Road, Plumtree.

• Municipality of Recliff – the offices of the town Clerk, Civic Centre, Sally Mugabe Way, Redcliff.

• Runde Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Runde RDC, Roux Street, Zvishavane.

• Rusape Town Council – the offices of the Secretary of the Rusape Town Council, 398 Manda Avenue, Rusape.

• Rushinga Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Rushinga RDC, Chimhanda.

• Ruwa Local Board – the offices of the Secretary of the Ruwa Local Board, Stand 855, Chiremba Road, Ruwa.

• Sanyati Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Sanyati RDC, 8 Warwick Street, Kadoma.

• Shurugwi Town Council – the offices of the Secretary of the Shurugwi Town Council, corner Chromer Avenue and Main Street.

• Takawira Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Takawira RDC, Stand No. 14, Naper Road, Mvuma.

• Tongogara Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Tongogara RDC, Tongogara Growth Point.

• Tsholotsho Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Tsholotsho RDC.

• Umguza Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Umguza RDC.

• Umzingwane Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Umzingwane RDC, 1 Richardson Avenue, Esigodini.

• Municipality of Victoria Falls – the offices of the town clerk, Livingstone Way, Victoria Falls.

• Vungu Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Vungu Rural District Council, 19 Lincoln road, Light Industrial Site, Gweru.

• Zaka Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Zaka RDC, Jerera Growth Point.

• Zibagwe Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Zibagwe RDC, Stand No. 1211 / 1214, Robert Mugabe Way.

• Zvataida Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Zataida (Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe) RDC, Mutawatawa Growth Point.

• Zvimba Rural District Council – the offices of the Chief Executive Officer of the Zvimba RDC, Murombedzi Growth Point.

• Zvishavane Town Council – the offices of the Secretary of the Zvishavane Town Council, Corner Goddard Street and Robert Mugabe Way, Zvishavane.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s state media today, Thursday profiled MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa’s party manifesto launch. Below was the ZBC LIVE roll:

1300: Our live updates have come to an end. Thank you.

1259: Urges Zimbabweans to go and vote for real change on 30 July and declares the MDC Alliance Manifesto officially launched.

1255: Reiterates the issue of rural airports to transport farmers produce quickly. Speaks also about spaghetti roads to ease traffic congestion.

1252: Says their manifesto document has all the solutions to the challenges in the country, urges Zimbabweans to have a look at it.

1251: Mr Chamisa says Dr Joice Mujuru has been slow to realise the value of joining the Alliance, but they will continue to pursue gender mainstreaming, they will continue to engage Dr Mujuru.

1250: “Ma CIO edu takuchinja orientation yedu, hatichatevere opposition, vana Matemadanda hatichavateveri. Takuda economic intelligence,” says Chamisa.

1240: We will renew ties with Israel, a Zimbabwean embassy will be established in Israel in line with the reconstruction agenda.

1239: Chamisa: “Re-engagement yes, the alliance will look everywhere, more ideas than slogans, the alliance will follow the dollar.”

1238: National heroes will be recognised in an inclusive way.

1236: The alliance will built smart cities, connected cities – Chamisa.

1234: Specialised courts will be established to deal with corruption. Provinces will be renamed by the alliance, says the present names are tribalistic.

1233: The alliance will have only 15 ministers or even less – Chamisa

1230: Says after elections Zanu PF must be more united so that there is an effective opposition in the country. Chamisa says the alliance will build a nation of great sporting talent. War veterans will be vetted and given their dues “once and for all”.

1224: Turns to the manifesto document, says the first pillar is transformation, deeper transformation. Secondly, opportunities – employment, business, investment. Speaks of the 5 canons of the alliance manifesto – Smart Governance, Smart Economics, Smart Social Services, Smart Special Rights and Interests, and Smart Infrastructure.

1223: “…I want to give Mr Mnangagwa a good rest, he has done a lot for this country….we can’t continue to abuse our elders…,” says Mr Chamisa.

1220: The alliance govt will be a govt for everyone, war veterans, the disabled, all races, etc. Says God is in their plans, “God is in it,” he says. “I will be the President of former President Mugabe and outgoing President Mnangagwa because God is in it….,” said Mr Chamisa.

1219: Chamisa promises civil servants that good times are in the offing for them when the alliance govt takes over. Says the present govt “has too much appetite but no will to deliver”

1215: Chamisa says he is able to carry on the legacy left by former MDC-T President Mr Morgan Tsvangirai. He admits that there are various challenges that they will face as a new govt, says they will be tough but as MDC Alliance they will also be equal to the task. He mentions issues of unemployment, health delivery, cash shortages.

1212: “We are launching what the people have been waiting for…” says Chamisa. ‘Behold a new’ is today’s theme, he says. I represent that new that brand new, says Chamisa. Mr Chamisa says the change with President Mnangagwa is not good for Zimbabwe. “The best change is speaking to you now,” he says.

1209: MDC Alliance President Advocate Nelson Chamisa is now delivering his keynote address.

1207: Director of Ceremonies Mr Maridadi now invites Mr Chamisa to the podium.

1155: An activist Maureen Kademaunga is now on the podium to speak about various rights that will be protected by the alliance if they get into government. She speaks about some laws to do with women and children that will be repealed by the government of the MDC Alliance to ensure their rights are protected. Says the rights of the elderly and children will be protected. Says under the leadership of Advocate Nelson Chamisa, the alliance will take Zimbabwe to where it should be.

1148: Honourable Paurina Mpariwa now on the podium. She speaks about labour issues and how the alliance will resuscitate the tripartite negotiating forum.

1143: On investment, Mashakada speaks on boosting investment. Says President Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe is open for business and asks who had closed it for business? He says it is Zanu PF which had closed Zimbabwe for business.

1137: Honourable Tapiwa Mashakada is now on the podium to present the alliance’s Trade and Investment Plan.  Speaks about enhancing trade agreements with Britain so as to increase exports.

1135: Legislator Mr James Maridadi is the Director of Ceremonies.

1133: Mr Biti says their government will compensate all white farmers who lost their land during ‘land invasions’. Mr Biti finishes his presentation.

1122: Mr Biti says another agenda is to create jobs through expanding the services industry, formalising the informal economy, and other various strategies.

1120: Mr Biti speaks about the alliance’s agenda of a US$100 billion economy once they win the harmonised elections slated for 30 July.  Says when Mr Chamisa takes over government by 2023 the Zimbabwean economy will rise to US$46, 2 billion in terms of capital.

1115: The programme has kicked off and one of the alliance leaders Mr Tendai Biti is making a presentation on the economic plan to be implemented by the alliance once they assume power.

The MDC Alliance is launch its manifesto at Jubilee Centre in Milton Park Harare. We give you live updates from there. The theme of the manifesto is “Behold The New  #Change That Delivers”.

Former Minister of state for Masvingo Province, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti has accused president Mnangagwa of being blasphemous and writing his own bible verse.

Bhasikiti charmed MDC supporters who gathered at Africa Unit Square after a march in demand of electoral reforms yesterday were he denounced Mnangagwa and his party.

“Mnangagwa has run out of ideas to the extent of writing his own bible by saying, “voice of the people is voice of god” that is his own bible, but if he listens to his own bible though it is not from God he should know that the people have spoken hence you (Mnangagwa) should answer yourself with your own bible,” said Bhasikiti.

He further alleged that people of Zimbabwe are now cleaver and will not give their vote to him.

“People of Zimbabwe are now clever and are guarding their vote jealously against him until the reforms are implemented.”

Bhasikiti concluded by mocking the ZANU PF symbol the fist which he said is hiding the missing 15billion and praising MDC-T’s palm symbol.

“The fist was once raised little did we know that it hid the missing $15billion it is high time people start waving their hands the MDC way to show transparency!” he said.

Prosper Mutseyami

By Paul Nyathi|Members of the current Parliament have demanded that they be paid all their outstanding allowances and residential stands before their term ends.

The legislators raised the matter on Acting Speaker of Parliament, Mr Reuben Marumahoko at the start of their debates on Wednesday.

The 8th Parliament adjourns on Thursday to pave way for the forthcoming elections and to give the members time to go and campaign to be voted back into the House.

MDC-T’s Musikavanhu constituency legislator Mr Prosper Mutseyami who is a member of the welfare committee moved the motion on a point of order.

“Mr Speaker, my point of order to the House, is for this House to take note that the life of this Parliament is coming to an end and as a result of that, I being a member of the welfare committee representing members of Parliament, this Parliament owes us money, we are owed our allowances which have been outstanding for a very long time,” he said.

Mr Mutseyami said some legislators had lost primary elections in their respective parties and must be saved the inconvenience of coming to Parliament to demand their dues next term.

“Among us we’ve members who lost primary elections and as a result the route is clear that they won’t be coming back unless they stand as independents or whatever.

“So in that regard, Mr Speaker Sir, my appeal to the House is for this house to make sure that outstanding allowances are paid to respective MPs before the end of this term, before they leave, Mr Speaker Sir,” he said.

The legislator also demanded that the August House sort out issues of their residential stands as they were only given offer letters which were not specific.

“Then the other thing is to do with our stands. We were issued with offer letters, offer letters are nothing, what we request urgently as a matter of yesterday is for members of Parliament to be given lease agreements with regards to their stands.

“And these lease agreements must be done like yesterday through the administration of Parliament so that every member must be given his lease agreement with a list of his stand number, the square metres and the agreement thereto and all the conditions that we agreed as a committee that are supposed to be abided by with regard to the payment of these stands. Mr Speaker Sir I rest my issue and I stand guided for a response for these issues to be addressed like yesterday,” he said.

“We don’t need this thing that members of Parliament come here in September, October going through the other door looking for allowances.
All these things must be completed when they are still sitting.”

Acting Speaker Marumahoko said the issue of allowances had been addressed by Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Patrick Chinamasa.

“I think the issue of allowances was addressed by the Minister of Finance and I didn’t see any reason here to raise it again. The Minister of Finance has given us dates when you are due to be paid,” he said.

Zanu-PF’s outgoing Zvishavane-Ngezi Member of Parliament Mr John Holder weighed in saying the issue of allowances must be addressed urgently and reminded the Acting Speaker that he too was affected as he had lost the primary elections.

“The Honourable member who just spoke there was right on track because a lot of us are not coming back and because a lot of us are not coming back we need to get what belongs to us. Render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar including you Mr Speaker you’re not coming back as well. So, we are fixing for all of us here,” said Mr Holder.

By Paul Nyathi|Top media businessman Trevor Ncube, who in recent days openly expressed his new found love for ZANU PF has said he fears what MDC-T supporters might do to him and his family, and not the perrenially violent ZANU-PF supporters.

Ncube the owner of top Zimbabwean news houses the News-Day, the Independent and the Standard, made his remarks in a Twitter post on Monday which attracted him a huge outburst from the public which expressed shock at his new love for the party his papers opposite everyday.

On his twitter timeline, Ncube states that what his newspapers publish should not be compared with his personal opinion. ” l am not my newspapers. My newspapers are not me,” reads his timeline.

In a tweet on Monday, Ncube said: “Right now l am more concerned about what MDC-T supporters might do to me and my family more than what ZANU-PF might do to me. I survived Gukurahundi and all what Robert Mugabe did to me. This too shall pass!!”

It is not clear what prompted Ncube’s concern for his family’s safety leading to the tweet.

An employee at Arenel Sweets and Biscuits in Bulawayo allegedly lost an arm yesterday morning after he was trapped by a conveyer belt during maintenance.

Mr Goodluck Muleya (24) who sustained multiple injuries on his right hand and upper body was rushed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals where he is receiving treatment.
The incident occurred at around 7AM.
Sources said the arm appeared mangled and bits of broken bone were protruding.

When The Chronicle arrived at the company premises in the Belmont Industrial area, Mr Muleya had already been ferried to hospital and a female company official who did not identify herself was hostile and refused to comment on the incident.

She said nothing of the sort had happened and denied the news crew access to management.

“Nothing happened here and we are not aware of any incident of that sort. Sorry, the manager is in a meeting and can’t attend to you,” she said.

However, Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Richard Peterson confirmed the incident saying they attended the scene.
He warned members of the public to be careful when working with heavy electrical machinery.

“I can confirm we received a report of a man who got trapped by a conveyer belt resulting in him sustaining multiple fractures. When the brigade arrived at the scene, co-workers had extricated him and our Ambulance services team attended to him.

“We encourage people to always ensure electrical machinery is switched off during maintenance to avoid risks of getting injured.

“It is important to exercise utmost caution when working with heavy machinery. Machines should never be worked on while running,” said Mr Peterson.
Employees who preferred anonymity said it was traumatic for them to see their colleague sustaining such a horrible injury.

“I don’t know what exactly happened but I was alarmed by Muleya’s screams for help. We thank God he survived. We managed to remove him from the trap. I think that arm will be cut off,” said an employee.- state media

THE MDC Alliance announced yesterday that it is launching its 2018 policy document at the Jubilee Centre in Milton Park, Harare today.

“The MDC Alliance is pleased to announce the launch of its 2018 policy document at the Jubilee Centre, Milton Park in Harare tomorrow 07 June 2018,” it said in a statement.
“The policy programme launch, under the theme ‘Behold the New Change that Delivers’ is consistent with our long held vision to bring about real change that delivers.

“The event, which will demonstrate our values as a collective movement, will highlight our readiness to tackle the national issues and challenges Zimbabweans are currently grappling with.”

It added: “This occasion presents us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment in creating a democratic developmental State that creates opportunities for Zimbabweans to contribute to the sustainable development of their country.

“We can, as this policy programme shows, do much more as a government to improve the lives of citizens and make Zimbabwe the pride of Africa and the envy of the world once again.”

The MDC Alliance said its handbook was a product of extensive consultations across the country.

“It is also the work of many who have contributed their time and expertise to the effort,” it said.

“We are deeply grateful to all who were involved and we trust this work will help create the] foundations and superstructures we require for a New Zimbabwe.”

The launch of the handbook comes as the country prepares for harmonised elections on July 30

Outgoing Parliamentarians yesterday demanded their outstanding allowances and residential stands saying the issues must be addressed urgently following the announcement of adjournment of Parliament yesterday.

The 8th Parliament adjourns today to pave way for the forthcoming elections and some of the members will take the opportunity to campaign to be voted back into the August House.
MDC-T’s Musikavanhu constituency legislator Mr Prosper Mutseyami who is a member of the welfare committee moved the motion saying Parliament must pay them their dues before the lapse of this term.

“Mr Speaker, my point of order to the House, is for this House to take note that the life of this Parliament is coming to an end and as a result of that, I being a member of the welfare committee representing members of Parliament, this Parliament owes us money, we are owed our allowances which have been outstanding for a very long time,” he said.

Mr Mutseyami said some legislators had lost primary elections in their respective parties and must be saved the inconvenience of coming to Parliament to demand their dues next term.

“Among us we’ve members who lost primary elections and as a result the route is clear that they won’t be coming back unless they stand as independents or whatever.

“So in that regard, Mr Speaker Sir, my appeal to the House is for this house to make sure that outstanding allowances are paid to respective MPs before the end of this term, before they leave, Mr Speaker Sir,” he said.

The legislator also demanded that the August House sort out issues of their residential stands as they were only given offer letters which were not specific.
“Then the other thing is to do with our stands. We were issued with offer letters, offer letters are nothing, what we request urgently as a matter of yesterday is for members of Parliament to be given lease agreements with regards to their stands.

“And these lease agreements must be done like yesterday through the administration of Parliament so that every member must be given his lease agreement with a list of his stand number, the square metres and the agreement thereto and all the conditions that we agreed as a committee that are supposed to be abided by with regard to the payment of these stands. Mr Speaker Sir I rest my issue and I stand guided for a response for these issues to be addressed like yesterday,” he said.

“We don’t need this thing that members of Parliament come here in September, October going through the other door looking for allowances.

All these things must be completed when they are still sitting.”
Acting Speaker of Parliament, Mr Reuben Marumahoko said the issue of allowances had been addressed by Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Patrick Chinamasa.

“I think the issue of allowances was addressed by the Minister of Finance and I didn’t see any reason here to raise it again. The Minister of Finance has given us dates when you are due to be paid,” he said.

Zanu-PF’s outgoing Zvishavane-Ngezi Member of Parliament Mr John Holder weighed in saying the issue of allowances must be addressed urgently and reminded the Acting Speaker that he too was affected as he had lost the primary elections.

“The Honourable member who just spoke there was right on track because a lot of us are not coming back and because a lot of us are not coming back we need to get what belongs to us. Render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar including you Mr Speaker you’re not coming back as well. So, we are fixing for all of us here,” said Mr Holder.- state media

President Mnangagwa has said reopening closed companies and ensuring they contribute significantly to the economy is his Government’s top priority.

He has set a target to turn Zimbabwe into a middle-income economy by 2030.

President Mnangagwa made the pledge yesterday as he toured Sable Chemicals outside Kwekwe.

He promised to support the country’s sole ammonium nitrate manufacturer with foreign currency, as the company sits at the heart of the country’s economic recovery.

President Mnangagwa told delegates after touring the Sable Chemicals plant that his Government had a comprehensive model to increase food production.

He said companies such as Sable Chemicals should actively contribute by ensuring sustainable and adequate supplies of fertiliser.

President Mnangagwa undertook the tour to familiarise himself with challenges faced by Sable Chemicals and it was the first visit by a sitting Head of State and Government to the top dressing fertiliser producer.

“My Government is working tirelessly to ensure that closed and distressed companies resume operations,” said President Mnangagwa.

“The success of Sable Chemicals will have ripple effects on the growth of other industries and the economy at large.

“Sable Chemicals is a strategic contributor to the country’s industrialisation agenda and the success of the modernisation of the agricultural sector.

“It occupies a unique space in this economy and its success will yield a wide range of cross cutting benefits. I urge the company to take advantage of the regional markets within Sadc, Comesa and the rest of the African continent to export its surplus output to stimulate export growth and earn foreign currency,” he said.

“However, for the company to do so, it is necessary that my administration first makes the move to support the company with foreign currency.”

President Mnangagwa said affordable fertiliser had a positive effect on agricultural productivity and food security.

He said Sable Chemicals should brace for huge demand of fertiliser anchored on the success of the Government’s specialised grain production programme, commonly known as Command Agriculture.

“The success of the Command Agriculture programme for the 2016-17 framing season saw the annual demand of top dressing fertilisers rising to 110 000 metric tonnes for the summer cropping season alone,” said President Mnangagwa.

“With an expected annual increase of the cropping hectarage, this volume is bound to increase drastically and Sable Chemicals must stand ready to meet the demand.

“I am informed that Sable Chemicals is benefiting and dependent on the rail network for transportation of raw material, ammonia gas, as well as finished fertilisers. My Government has put in place concrete measures for more a efficient, reliable and modern rail network.”

President Mnangagwa hailed plans by Sable Chemicals to produce nitrate solution for use in the production of explosives in the mining sector, saying the move resonated well with an anticipated upsurge in the mining sector.

He pledged continued Government support to ensure that Sable Chemicals operated at optimum capacity.

“I applaud your recent initiatives to reinvigorate the production process by ceasing the electrolysis method to produce ammonia gas, thereby releasing approximately 90 megawatts of electricity into the national grid,” said President Mnangagwa.

“In addition, I commend Sable Chemicals’ long term plans to use coal bed or natural gas to produce ammonia gas which will be used to manufacture ammonium nitrate and urea, which will ultimately reduce the price of top dressing fertilisers.”

President Mnangagwa said the move was in line with Government’s policy of adding value and beneficiating the country’s natural resources.-state media

By Paul Nyathi|The MDC Alliance coalition will launch its long awaited election manifesto in Harare on Thursday.

The manifesto tagged “SMART” will be launched by the Alliance Presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa at the Jubilee Christian Center in Milton Park Harare at 1000 hrs.

SMART stands for ‘Sustainable and Modern Agenda for Real Transformation (SMART),’

The party has invited interested members of the public to attend the launch.

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ZANU PF youths have gone into song, singing out Nelson Chamisa’s theme song, the very same melody he sang exactly 24 hours ago, “Munoziva Kusasimba kwangu…”

 

 

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By Paul Nyathi|NewsDay reporter Blessed Mhlanga has officially been slapped with assault charges on Deputy Finance Minister Terrence Mukupe on an incident which occured almost two weeks ago.

Mukupe filed the assault charges against the journalist in Harare.

The scuffle between Mukupe and Mhlanga happened at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) SFM radio studio on the 24th of May.

Both the minister and the scribe were invited to discuss a headline story in the NewsDay written by reporter quoting Mukupe saying the military wouldn’t let Nelson Chamisa rule in the event that he won the forthcoming election.

Information available said it was Mukupe who stood up during a live radio programme accusing the journalist of intimidating him and grabbed him by his shoulders whilst one of his aides tried to restrain the minister.

It was during the scuffle that Mhlanga’s wife, Florence, whipped out her mobile phone to record the wrestling.

Mukupe then instructed his aides to seize the Samsung S7 phone from her and he (Mukupe) later pushed her into the corner.

Mhlanga is expected to appear in court soon on the charges.

 

MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa yesterday said if elected to power next month, he will only serve one term and pass on the baton.

“It is possible for us to change this economy, do not give me five years, in just three years, I will be announcing my retirement and it is you who will be forcing me, saying please hang in there, because life will be enjoyable,” he told thousands of party supporters at Mahusekwa Growth Point on the fourth leg of his campaign mission in Mashonaland East province.

Chamisa accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of mortgaging the country’s resources for political gain through his “Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra.

He said Mnangagwa was wary of the challenge posed by the united opposition, hence, his decision to “sell the country” by exposing its resources to criminals.

“You heard my brother, Mnangagwa say Zimbabwe is open for business, I said my brother, do not use unnecessary English statements, you will sell this country in broad daylight. He is on the brink of selling this country. You cannot open business to everyone, you attract enemies. The mantra should be Zimbabwe is best for business, or safe for business,” Chamisa said.

He said MDC Alliance will not be hoodwinked into participating in flawed elections, hence, their demand for electoral reforms ahead of the polls.

“We are not going to allow rigging this time, we are closely monitoring the situation. There are no elections without reforms,” Chamisa said.

Newsday

Media Statement|As part of efforts to push for credible polls, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) has intensified regional advocacy campaigns by engaging the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security to urgently look into the Zimbabwean crisis ahead of the 2018 elections.

On May 30, 2018, a CiZC delegation held a meeting with the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security at the SADC Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana explaining the current Zimbabwean situation and its possible implications on the credibility of the 2018 polls set to be held on July 30, 2018.

The delegation also submitted a letter outlining civil society demands ahead of the 2018 polls to the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Director, Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Tanki Mothae.

In the letter, which was also copied to the SADC Executive Secretary, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, CiZC implored the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security to ensure the upcoming 2018 polls in Zimbabwe meet the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

The submission by CiZC takes into consideration the fact that Zimbabwe has a history of sham polls and little has been done to avoid a repeat of yet another disputed election.

CiZC raised concern that various election observer missions, including the SADC Election Observer Mission (SEOM) to Zimbabwe’s July 2013 general elections, highlighted some shortcomings regarding Zimbabwe’s electoral processes yet some of these issues remain unresolved and unattended.

The letter explicitly stated that the current government in Zimbabwe, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, lacks legitimacy as it came in through a military coup disguised as ‘Operation Restore Legacy’.

The letter stated that since the coming in of the new government, there has been increased militarization of state institutions including the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) which has proved to be a captured institution that largely lacks the capability to run free, fair and credible polls.

Concern was also raised that ZEC was largely lacking in terms of transparency and accountability.

The letter noted several irregularities ahead of the elections and warned that unless these are addressed, Zimbabwe could be headed for yet another sham election.

“While Zimbabwe is set to hold elections during the second half of 2018 we raise key concerns around inadequacies on the part of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to administer a credible electoral process. The involvement of the military and traditional leaders in elections remains unaddressed.

“Based on pronouncements by the current government, there are valid fears that the 2018 elections will be highly militarized and traditional leaders are continuing on a partisan path to influence electoral outcomes in violation of Section 208 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which bars the former from engaging in partisan politics,” read part of the letter.

Regarding amendments to Zimbabwe’s Electoral Act, CiZC in its letter submitted that ‘the recent amendments to the Electoral Act do not represent the views espoused by citizens and civil society organizations as captured in previous documents submitted to ZEC and Parliament by civil society and that such amendments do not reflect the spirit and letter of genuine alignment of the Act with the Constitution’.

CiZC also submitted that the State media has largely been acting as a mouthpiece of the ruling party ahead of the 2018 elections and that law enforcement agents continue to use draconian legislation such as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) to stifle fundamental freedoms.

In light of the challenges highlighted in the letter, CiZC made the following submissions to the SADC Organ on Defence and Security;

a) That the military must reassert its commitment to upholding and protecting the constitution with respect to elections and electoral processes.

b) That ZEC conducts itself in a transparent, accountable, professional, non-partisan and autonomous manner in all electoral processes. In this regard, civil society implores ZEC to publish names of its secretariat, their previous employers, experience and qualifications. This also includes publication of office bearers of the Elections Logistics Committee in the interest of transparency and accountability.

c) That ZEC and the government ensure there is fair and equal access to public media by all competing political parties and candidates while ensuring that media practitioners and journalists are allowed to operate freely as enshrined under Section 61 of our Constitution.

d) That ZEC, through its designated committees, and other concerned authorities, give unfettered access to key electoral processes to local, regional and international observers without undue restrictions such as imposition of prohibitive accreditation fees, criminalization of domestic observers, or cherry picking of regional and international ones.

e) That ZEC, in line with the law principally and expeditiously avails the bio-metric voters’ roll to all stakeholders particularly contesting political players and other election related bodies once it is ready and clear times for such provisions be shared and committed to

f) That ZEC urgently avails a clear and precise 2018 election road-map to all stakeholders in line with the principle of transparency and accountability

g) That voter preferences take place without cohesion, manipulation or intimidation and the insulation of this choice through effective secrecy of the ballot.

h) That the Police and prosecuting authorities allow civil society organizations and citizens to carry out their lawful activities without harassment, raids, restrictions and unwarranted arrests spurred more by political calculations than the dictates of the law.

Your input and suggestions are appreciated.

For and on Behalf of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition

Tabani Moyo

Spokesperson

By Paul Nyathi|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed opposition MDC Alliance for holding a successful and peaceful demonstration on Tuesday.

In his official Facebook page Mnangagwa claimed that the demonstration was a sign of renewed democracy in the country.

Wrote President Mnangagwa:

Anyone who doubts the democracy at play in the new Zimbabwe only had to witness the scenes in Harare yesterday, where opposition supporters demonstrated freely, without fear or intimidation.

I once again state loudly and clearly my commitment to free and fair elections, and call on all sides to campaign peacefully as we move towards the harmonised elections.

Let us on all sides allow our brothers and sisters to differ with us, but never resort to violence!

The President’s ruling ZANU PF will also hold a similar march in the capital on Wednesday.

By Paul Nyathi|The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission ZEC, has released requirements to be met by candidates intending to contest in this year’s harmonised elections.

The following are the requirements one has to meeet to register as an Independent or Party Candidate.

1. Presidential Candidate Qualifications
Be a citizen of Zimbabwe
Be a registered voter
Be 40 year or older
Be Nominated by not fewer than 10 voters who are on the voters roll in each Province (100)
$1000 is required at Nomination Court for registration ( subject to change)

2. National Assembly Candidate (Constituency) Qualifications
Be a citizen of Zimbabwe
Be a registered voter
Be 21 years or older
Be Nominated by not fewer than 5 voters who are on the voters roll of that Constituency
$50 is required at Nomination Court for registration (subject to change)

3. Councilor (Ward)
Qualifications
Be a citizen of Zimbabwe
Be a registered voter & you must be on the Ward voters roll for the council concerned.
Be 21 years or older
Be Nominated by not fewer than 5 voters who are on the voters’ roll of that Ward.
NO Nomination FEE is required for registration (subject to change)

4. Senator
Qualifications
Be a citizen of Zimbabwe
Be a registered voter
Be 40 years or older
5. National Assembly Part List Seat- Candidates Qualifications
The political party contesting in the National Assembly to submit a list of 6 Women Candidates.
Be a citizen of Zimbabwe
Be registered as a voter in the province in which that person is standing
Be 21 years or older

6. Provincial Council Party-List Seat
Candidate on Non-Metropolitan Provinces Qualifications
The political party contesting in the National Assembly to submit a list of 10 women candidates.
Be a citizen of Zimbabwe
Be registered as a voter in the province in which that person is standing
Be 21 years or older

Requirements
National Registration Certificate (National Identity)
Birth Certificate
Copies of National Registration Certificate & Birth Certificate
Married women to bring their Marriage Certificates
Two (2) passport size photographs
Two (2) copies of the code of conduct for political parties.
Nomination fees as already been stated.

NB IN ANY CASE, THE NOMINATION FORM SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE CANDIDATE OR HIS/HER CHIEF ELECTION AGENT OR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

ZimEye brings our valued readers and viewers LIVE updates from the ZANU PF rally march in Harare today.

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The event will be held at the Robert Mugabe Square.

 

The league’s national commissar,Godfrey Tsenengamu told the state media that all youths and the generality of peace-loving Zimbabweans should come and attend the event.

“We are inviting all youths and all progressive Zimbabweans to come and pray for peace in support of the call by President Mnangagwa that our coming elections should be peaceful and violence-free,” he said.

“We have organised the rally for all peace-loving Zimbabwe and we are working together with our youth league leadership in Harare.”

Police have cleared the event. In a letter dated June 5 2018, Officer Commanding Harare Central District Chief Superintendent Albert Ncube said: “Your notification letter to hold peaceful march on the 06th June 2018 at the Robert Mugabe Square from 10 00 hours to 15 00 hours in solidarity with the President’s call for peace before, during and after the 2018 harmonised elections has been noted.

“However, I regret to advise that you may not pass past Munhumutapa building for security reasons.”

Chief Spt Ncube said police would not hesitate to invoke relevant provisions of the law should the marchers violate conditions set by the police.

The march was initially set for Tuesday, but was moved to today after police said it would coincide with an MDC-Alliance demonstration on the same day.

In a message inviting youths to the event, Zanu-PF Harare provincial youth league secretary for administration Kudakwashe Masamvi said: “We are going to march in solidarity with the President’s call for peace before, during and after the harmonised elections.

“All affiliates of the party are invited and all peace-loving Zimbabweans are invited.”

HARARE City Council has approached the High Court, seeking an order to demolish hundreds of illegal structures built in Kuwadzana 3 by members of Sekusile Housing Co-operative, arguing the land in question belonged to a local financial institution.

Acting town clerk, Hosiah Chisango, filed an application at the High Court on May 31, seeking a spoliation order to interdict Sekusile Housing Co-operative members from occupying the land.

Chisango said the pieces of land known as stands number 21510 and 21511 Kuwadzana Township of Fontainebleau in Kuwadzana Phase 3 are supposed to be vacant and undeveloped, but have been occupied by illegal settlers.

“The applicant (City of Harare) had undisturbed peaceful possession at all material times of the land in que stion. The applicant has sold the land in question to FBC Building Society in terms of the agreement of sale attached hereto as Annexure A,” Chisango said in his affidavit.

“The applicant, upon making efforts to deliver the land in question to FBC Building Society on May 22, 2018, discovered that the respondent (Sekusile Housing Co-operative) and those claiming title under it are in unlawful occupation and despoiled the applicant of its peaceful possession.”

According to Chisango, Sekusile Housing Co-operative is not known to the council and was never at any stage granted the right to occupy or possess the land in question. The acting town clerk also said the co-operative members were wrongfully interfering with the council’s possession of the land.

“There is no doubt that there is irreparable injury being committed by the respondent. The applicant and a third party are suffering harm, which may result in consequences, as it may be found to be in breach of its agreement with FBC Building Society. The applicant may lose revenue that it has gained from the intrinsic value for the land that the FBC Building Society paid,” he said.

“There is no other competent remedy available to the applicant. The applicant has, therefore, been left with no other option, but to approach this honourable court for relief.” The matter is yet to be set down for hearing.

Newsday

Free,Fair and Credible Election peace march – Petition

5 JUNE 2018

THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER
ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

RE: MINIMUM DEMANDS FOR CONDITIONS FOR FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS
We, the undersigned, being members of the MDC Alliance- a grouping of political Parties intending to participate in the 2018 Harmonised Elections- under the leadership of Advocate Nelson Chamisa, and the people of Zimbabwe, hereby present this petition on our redline demands for a free fair legitimate and credible election.

On the 30th of May 2018, President Emmerson Mnangagwa proclaimed the 30th of July 2018 as the date on which elections for the office of President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Members of Parliament of Zimbabwe, Senators and councillors will be conducted (‘harmonised elections’).

1. It is not the intent of this petition to exhaustively deal with the legal framework governing elections in Zimbabwe. It suffices, for present purposes, to state that the contemplated elections will be conducted under the 2013 Zimbabwe Constitution, the Electoral Act, and Chapter 2:13, as amended, as well as the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

2. We contend that it is obligatory for this election to be held in full compliance of the Zimbabwean Constitution, the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13, the SADC principles and guidelines guiding democratic elections and the African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG).

3. We have made our demands for a free fair and credible election known in our document published in March 2018 known as PEACE

Despite these demands, despite the law, despite verbal commitments to a free, fair and credible election, it is self-evident that the Zimbabweans authorities and the ZEC lack the desire, ability and political will of conducting a free, fair credible election.

It is in this context that we are exercising our peaceful right defined in section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe by marching and presenting this petition on the following demands;

i) All parties, and candidates (and or their representatives) participating in the election, forthwith be furnished with an electronic copy of the provisional voters’ roll as is required by section 21 of the Electoral act Chapter 2:13.

ii) That ZEC, allows an inspection period of the voters’ roll pursuant to fresh registration during the voter inspection period 19 May to 29 May 2018.

iii) That an independent, external audit of the voters’ roll be commenced immediately after the inspection period mentioned above, with the auditors to be agreed by all stakeholders and shareholders.

iv) That there be full and proper agreement by all stakeholders on the procurement, security, quality and movement of all ballot material, in particular, the ballot paper.

v) That the ZEC immediately retires in its secretariat, any security personnel whether currently employed or formerly employed by the security services as defined in Chapter 11 of the Constitution.

vi) That ZEC immediately disbands the present national logistics committee and that there is agreement in the composition, recruitment, training and deployment of the new members of the national logistics committee.

vii) That the current accreditation committee be disbanded and that there is agreement on the recruitment, training and deployment of the new members of the accreditation committee.

viii) That there be full disclosure with regards to the custody and location of the BVR Servers and that all stakeholders be allowed access to validate the legitimacy of the data in those servers.

ix) That the additional 1500 newly created polling stations be and are hereby abandoned and that there be discussion and agreement on additional polling stations if need requires.

x) That all military personal currently deployed in the rural areas be and are hereby recalled and that there should be full and complete de-militarisation of the rural areas.

xi) That all international observers and monitors should now be allowed immediate access to Zimbabwe to monitor the election pursuant to the proclamation of the election on the 30th of May 2018.

xii) That forthwith, there must be equal access to and equal coverage of all political parties in the public media, in particular the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

xiii) That there be a provision in terms section 67 of the Constitution to allow the Diaspora to vote even if it means voting only in the presidential election.

xiv) That there be cessation of the use of food and inputs as political weapons in this election

4. The holding of the 30th of July election is dependent on the conditions set out above

END

Constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku says the demands made to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and government by the MDC Alliance are not legally enforceable as they fall foul of the Constitution.

Professor Madhuku said, the legal route is to seek an amendment to the Constitution and as it stands, now that a proclamation was made, a nomination court will seat within a week and elections will follow on the 30th of next month of which time is not sufficient for a constitutional amendment.

The MDC Alliance today marched in the capital and petitioned ZEC, and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi demanding a number of reforms before the election date.

The Alliance demands include full disclosure with regards to the server containing information from the biometric voter registration, access to validate the legitimacy of data in the servers and access to the electronic copy of the provisional voter’s roll.

The demands also include an independent audit of the voters roll, an agreement by Alliance parties on the procurement, security, quality and movement of the ballot material, and the immediate disbanding of the present National Logistics Committee of ZEC.

The MDC Alliance is also demanding an equal access and fair coverage from the national broadcaster and threatened to bring the nation to a standstill with demonstrations.

Zbc news

The United States, Canada and Mexico who are jointly bidding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday met with the Zimbabwe government officials and Zimbabwe Football Association to canvas for support during the forthcoming FIFA congress in Russia where members will vote to decide the hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

In an unprecedented show of continental unity, the joint bid if successful, it would be the first finals held in North America since the US hosted the 1994 tournament.

The representative of the joint bid who arrived in the country on Monday were scheduled to meet Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Retired Lieutenant General Sibusiso Moyo and Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kazembe Kazembe.

ZIFA president Phillip Chiyangwa said the joint bid representatives were in the country to consult the government and ZIFA and canvass for support for their joint 2026 World Cup bid.

“They met foreign affairs and government of Zimbabwe officials who are happy to support the bid and share their views on the forthcoming FIFA congress and World Cup 2026 election by FIFA congress,” said Chiyangwa.

All three countries are members of the CONCACAF, US soccer the Canadian Soccer Association and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol.

Speaking during a hastily arranged media conference in the capital the three countries’ representatives said they are confident that they will submit an exemplary bid worthy of bringing the FIFA World Cup back to North America.

All the three countries, United States, Mexico and Canada have individually demonstrated their exceptional abilities to host world-class events.

“When our nations come together as one, as we will for 2026, there is no question the United States, Mexico and Canada will deliver an experience that will celebrate the game and serve players, supporters and partners alike,”  said Jim Brown, the MD for the joint bid.

“For the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, and the entire Mexican soccer family, it is a source of pride to be candidates, along with the United States and Canada, to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026,” said Decio de Maria, Mexican football association representative.

 “As such we are filled with pride and committed to make it the best ever. Mexico has been recognized for being a magnificent host of past FIFA events, such as the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, the 1999 Confederations Cup, the 2011 Under-17 World Cup, and most recently the 2016 FIFA congress. If we are selected to host, it will be an honour to welcome everyone with open arms,” added de Maria.

No rival bid has emerged for the 2026 tournament, which is due to be awarded by FIFA in 2020.

FIFA rules currently rule out bidders from Europe and Asia because Russia is staging the World Cup in 2018 and Qatar has the showpiece in 2022.

Organizers say 10 games would be played in Canada and the final will be in the US.

The 2018 men’s World Cup is set for Russia with the 2022 tournament headed to Qatar.

The 2026 tournament will be the first of the expanded format.

The FIFA council agreed in January to expand the current the 32-country tournament to 48 teams split into 16 groups of three.

The top two teams from each group will then advance to a 32-team knockout stage.

Canada is coming off hosting the 2015 Women’s World Cup, deemed a success on and off the field. It has also hosted the 2014 Under 20 Women’s World Cup, the 2007 Under 20 Men’s World Cup, and the 1997 Under 16 Men’s World Cup (now a Under 17 event).

If approved, it would be the First World Cup hosted by three nations and the first jointly hosted World Cup since Korea/Japan 2002.

It would also be the first finals held in North America since the US hosted the 1994 tournament.

Mexico would host matches for the first time since 1986 while it also hosted the 1970 world cup.  

Zbc news 

By Paul Nyathi|The former President Robert Mugabe backed National Patriotic Front opposition party has given MDC Alliance coalition Presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa a huge thumbs up ahead of the harmonised elections set for end of July this year.

Party spokesperson Jealous Mawarire revealed on Tuesday that the party which is a ruling ZANU PF splinter is giving full support to the young MDC Alliance leader to wrestle power from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mawarire made the declaration on the sidelines of a hugely subscribed MDC Alliance organised electoral reforms demonstration held in Harare on Tuesday.

Mawarire hinted that his party will not be fielding a presidential candidate to contest against Chamisa.

“We are indeed backing Chamisa as a party because it is just the right thing to do,” said Mawarire.

Mawarire said that his party members joined the protest march as the party does not recognise the election proclamation made by President Mnangagwa.

“We were part of the protest march because we view Mnangagwa’s election proclaimation as illegal because he made the proclaimation before the voters roll was finalised,” said Mawarire.

Thousands of people took into the streets of Harare bringing to a standstill business in the Central Business District.

The march was a demand for President Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to effect several reforms on the just amended Electoral Act.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe however declares that once an election date has been proclaimed no amendments will be effected on the electoral regulations for that election.

Free,Fair and Credible Election peace march – Petition

5 JUNE 2018

THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER
ZIMBABWE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

RE: MINIMUM DEMANDS FOR CONDITIONS FOR FREE, FAIR AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS
We, the undersigned, being members of the MDC Alliance- a grouping of political Parties intending to participate in the 2018 Harmonised Elections- under the leadership of Advocate Nelson Chamisa, and the people of Zimbabwe, hereby present this petition on our redline demands for a free fair legitimate and credible election.

On the 30th of May 2018, President Emmerson Mnangagwa proclaimed the 30th of July 2018 as the date on which elections for the office of President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Members of Parliament of Zimbabwe, Senators and councillors will be conducted (‘harmonised elections’).

1. It is not the intent of this petition to exhaustively deal with the legal framework governing elections in Zimbabwe. It suffices, for present purposes, to state that the contemplated elections will be conducted under the 2013 Zimbabwe Constitution, the Electoral Act, and Chapter 2:13, as amended, as well as the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

2. We contend that it is obligatory for this election to be held in full compliance of the Zimbabwean Constitution, the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13, the SADC principles and guidelines guiding democratic elections and the African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG).

3. We have made our demands for a free fair and credible election known in our document published in March 2018 known as PEACE

Despite these demands, despite the law, despite verbal commitments to a free, fair and credible election, it is self-evident that the Zimbabweans authorities and the ZEC lack the desire, ability and political will of conducting a free, fair credible election.

It is in this context that we are exercising our peaceful right defined in section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe by marching and presenting this petition on the following demands;

i) All parties, and candidates (and or their representatives) participating in the election, forthwith be furnished with an electronic copy of the provisional voters’ roll as is required by section 21 of the Electoral act Chapter 2:13.

ii) That ZEC, allows an inspection period of the voters’ roll pursuant to fresh registration during the voter inspection period 19 May to 29 May 2018.

iii) That an independent, external audit of the voters’ roll be commenced immediately after the inspection period mentioned above, with the auditors to be agreed by all stakeholders and shareholders.

iv) That there be full and proper agreement by all stakeholders on the procurement, security, quality and movement of all ballot material, in particular, the ballot paper.

v) That the ZEC immediately retires in its secretariat, any security personnel whether currently employed or formerly employed by the security services as defined in Chapter 11 of the Constitution.

vi) That ZEC immediately disbands the present national logistics committee and that there is agreement in the composition, recruitment, training and deployment of the new members of the national logistics committee.

vii) That the current accreditation committee be disbanded and that there is agreement on the recruitment, training and deployment of the new members of the accreditation committee.

viii) That there be full disclosure with regards to the custody and location of the BVR Servers and that all stakeholders be allowed access to validate the legitimacy of the data in those servers.

ix) That the additional 1500 newly created polling stations be and are hereby abandoned and that there be discussion and agreement on additional polling stations if need requires.

x) That all military personal currently deployed in the rural areas be and are hereby recalled and that there should be full and complete de-militarisation of the rural areas.

xi) That all international observers and monitors should now be allowed immediate access to Zimbabwe to monitor the election pursuant to the proclamation of the election on the 30th of May 2018.

xii) That forthwith, there must be equal access to and equal coverage of all political parties in the public media, in particular the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

xiii) That there be a provision in terms section 67 of the Constitution to allow the Diaspora to vote even if it means voting only in the presidential election.

xiv) That there be cessation of the use of food and inputs as political weapons in this election

4. The holding of the 30th of July election is dependent on the conditions set out above

END

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