HARARE — The appointment of ex-Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s daughter, Abigail Millicent Mohadi-Ambrose, as a Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) Commissioner has raised eyebrows over the commission’s independence and impartiality as the country heads toward elections.
Mohadi-Ambrose, together with six others were sworn in by President Emmerson Mnangagwa as ZEC Commissioners on Thursday.
The commissioners were nominated by Parliament in terms of Section 237 and 238 of the constitution with candidates’ names later forwarded to Mnangagwa for approval.
The appointments have drawn the ire of members of the opposition, former Cabinet ministers and human rights lawyers.
Government maintains that there is nothing untoward about the appointment as every citizen has an equal opportunity to be appointed to serve.
“Children and relatives of high profile people have the right to employment and service to their country as everyone else. That’s why it’s called ‘Equal Opportunities,” Government permanent secretary for information Nick Mangwana said.
Human rights lawyer Obey Shava said the move did not inspire confidence in the commission.
“The appointment of Mohadi’s daughter as a ZEC commissioner goes to the root of its integrity as an independent commission. This move has deprived ZEC of any good repute. It does not inspire confidence that would supervise any free and fair electoral processes,” said Shava.
Citizens Coalition for Change claimed the appointment was not without bias.
“The Constitution explicitly requires ZEC to be independent and nonpartisan. This fragrant appearance of bias violates the constitutional imperative. The appointment must be rescinded forthwith,” spokesperson for Citizens Coalition for Change, Fadzai Mahere said.
Former Minister, Walter Mzembi weighed in.
“The pedigree of the ZEC commissioners is extremely laughable. You would think given the gravity of our issues in the country, President Mnangagwa would pick some very mature minds to supervise our electoral politics,” Mzembi said.
His sentiments were echoed by Herbert Chamuka, leader of an opposition outfit, the People’s Unity Party (PUP).
“Kembo belongs to Zanu PF and his daughter will come to protect Zanu PF interests. It is not right for his daughter to be among the ZEC commissioners. Mnangagwa is capturing all critical institutions which will aid him to cling on to power in 2023,” Chamuka said.
Meanwhile, the Elections Resource Centre (ERC) challenged the new commissioners to conduct their duties as stipulated in the constitution and in line with their oath of office.
