Masarira presidential bid
HARARE – Linda Masarira, the president of LEAD, has challenged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) over the nomination fees for presidential and parliamentary candidates. She claims that the fees are discriminatory and unfair.
Masarira, who is self-funding her campaign, said she could not pay the fees in cash as ZEC required, because of the shortage of Zimbabwean dollars in the market.
She said she had made a bank transfer, but ZEC rejected it and demanded a receipt. “I am funding myself, but it has been a huge challenge,” Masarira said.
“Zimbabwe’s politics is now reserved for the rich.” She said she was not the only one facing this problem, as other candidates also struggled to pay the fees in US dollars. She said this indicated that Zimbabwe’s politics had become a realm for the wealthy and excluded ordinary citizens.
“I tried to find ZW cash, but I couldn’t. The market is dry. It seems I am not the only candidate who faced this dilemma as I left others at the nomination court still arguing with ZEC to accept their bank proofs of payment,” she said. She said she would file an urgent court application to challenge ZEC’s decision and seek justice. She thanked her supporters and her husband for their support during this stressful day.
“I told them that I am making an urgent court application to have my fees accepted as I have been disadvantaged by monetary policies, which are beyond my control. So tomorrow, we will file an urgent chamber application demanding justice,” she said.
“Thank you to all those who have been supportive during this hectic day and a special mention to my husband for the emotional support.” National Constitutional Assembly leader Lovemore Madhuku said he also had difficulty raising the US$20,000 for presidential elections.
“We looked for money for the president. We looked for money for 10 National Assembly members. We also have councillors. It was almost impossible, but we made it,” he said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s elections officer, Ziyambi Ziyambi who is the legal and parliamentary affairs minister, said the country should not be in the hands of people who could not raise nomination fees.
“If you want to be entrusted with the country and you complain over US$20,000, surely you’re not serious,” Ziyambi said.
Masarira presidential bid: “I have been disadvantaged by monetary policies”
Masarira presidential bid: “I have been disadvantaged by monetary policies”