MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE-The Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN) has dismissed Zanu PF statement that the election watchdog is colluding and training political parties polling agents for the August 23 general elections.
Zanu PF finance chief, Patrick Chinamasa recently released a statement claiming that ZESN is working in cahoots with foreign governments and organizations to put together a donation of US$10 million to fund training of 12 500 political party agents.
Chinamasa added that the action is illegal and a clear violation of Political Parties Finance Act.
However, ZESN denied the allegations and said that the network’s role is to promote democratic elections in Zimbabwe through advocacy.
“The Network’s mandate is to promote democratic elections in Zimbabwe through domestic oversight on all electoral processes such as voter registration, nomination, pre and post electoral environment and polling day processes among others.
“Furthermore, ZESN undertakes interventions on electoral reforms in a bid to create a conducive electoral environment and to enhance credibility and integrity of electoral processes; conduct civic and voter education and strives to provide credible electoral information to the electorate and electoral stakeholders,” reads the statement.
The election monitoring organization pointed out that over the years it shares its observation reports with all key stakeholders including the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) as required by the Electoral Act.
It also added that it’s work is guided by Constitutional dictates, Electoral Act and the ZEC code of conduct for observers as well as values and principles of the organization.
