By Revesai Mavetera
Renowned journalist and award-winning reporter, Hopewell Chin’ono, has called upon the opposition in Zimbabwe to take legal action against the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in order to demand the release of a comprehensive voters roll. Chin’ono argues that the recent evidence of missing names on the voters roll can be utilized to build a strong case against ZEC’s management of electoral processes.
In a series of social media posts, Chin’ono emphasized the strategic importance of initiating a court case promptly, presenting the new evidence of deliberate chaos surrounding the voters roll. He urged the opposition to utilize this evidence to compel ZEC to disclose the full voters roll immediately.
“While we acknowledge that the courts may at times be compromised, it is crucial to repeatedly expose this through legal action,” Chin’ono wrote on social media. He emphasized the significance of demonstrating that all available local legal channels have been exhausted, highlighting the need for evidence in resolving the political issue at hand.
Chin’ono stressed that exposing the incompetence of ZEC by using state institutions to showcase their lack of commitment to a free and fair election is vital. He asserted that it is necessary to prove that an election cannot be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner without a comprehensive voters roll.
To accomplish this, Chin’ono proposed that Civil Society take the lead and select a group of ten individuals, including prominent opposition leaders such as Welshman Ncube, David Coltart, Nicola Watson, and Ephias Mambume, who have encountered difficulties finding their names on the voters roll. The selected individuals, representing various levels of the opposition, would be encouraged to accompany voters to polling stations to inspect the voters roll firsthand.
Chin’ono acknowledged the frustration experienced by some due to internal political dynamics but urged them to demonstrate leadership by taking action in the interest of the nation. He called for a mobilization of people and requested their active participation in this important endeavor.
The release of a complete voters roll has long been a contentious issue in Zimbabwe’s electoral process. The opposition has repeatedly accused ZEC of irregularities and lack of transparency, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive and accurate voters roll to ensure free and fair elections
