Civic group says 2008 elections too soon

By Tererai Karimakwenda
11 April, 2007

There are numerous reasons why presidential and parliamentary elections should not be held in 2008. This is according to David Chimhini, the director of the Zimbabwe Civic Education Trust (ZIMCET). The group has representatives all around the country organised into what they call “peace committees” which are in touch with ordinary Zimbabweans. They have developed peace building initiatives and offer educational training on a grassroots level.

Chimhini explained that the most obvious reason to delay elections is that the government appointed Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) does not have the capacity to run elections at this time. He said: “With the ongoing economic meltdown in the country it is safe to assume that the money is not there.” Chimhini also pointed to the fact that the state has not been able to print identification cards and passports for some time due to a lack of funds to buy special ink and paper. He said people without these documents would therefore be denied their right to vote.

Nearly one million people were displaced during the government’s demolition exercise Operation Murambatsvina in 2005. These people were dumped in areas far from their homes and have moved around to different locations since then. Chimhini said this means they would have to re-register to vote and a new voters’ roll would need to be compiled. All this takes time.

Chimhini is deeply concerned with the violence that is being perpeptrated against opposition officials and supporters. He said much more violence can be expected towards the elections because the ruling party wants to make a statement about the level of support they still command. A lot of peace building work will have to be done in order for the voters to feel safe again, and 2008 is simply too soon.