MDC-Alliance ‘runs’ to ZEC for help

Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
The MDC-Alliance has approached the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in Mashonaland West to act on independent candidates that are using its symbols and its presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa’s pictures.

Culprits will now face arrest following interactions with the electoral body.

MDC-Alliance provincial chairman Mr Ralph Magunje said some of the culprits include those who lost in the alliance’s primary elections and decided to stand as independent candidates for both local government and National Assembly seats.

“Such people are doing it to hoodwink our supporters. We met with ZEC and we agreed that the law should take its course and the culprits should be brought to book,” he said.

Mr Magunje said the MDC-Alliance in Mashonaland West was now waiting for ZEC to engage the police to enforce the agreed position.

The alliance has also issued a statement warning such independent candidates that they face arrest if they are found using the symbols and pictures.

“All independent and other political party candidates not in the MDC-Alliance can now be reported to police and will be arrested within 24hrs for using MDC-Alliance party symbol and president (Nelson) Chamisa pictures,” reads the message from the alliance information desk that was distributed on social media.

“All candidates must use their chosen party symbols and pictures. Get evidence and let us get all culprits arrested from tonight. Spread and share the message.”

ZEC provincial elections manager Mr Austin Ndlovu said no independent candidate forwarded a symbol or party that was sponsoring them and using them now was against the law.

“The MDC-Alliance approached us complaining about some independent candidates that are using their symbols and party president Mr Nelson Chamisa’s picture.

“We advised them to approach the police because it is a criminal offence so that the law takes its course,” he said.

Political parties including the ruling Zanu-PF have been battling to stop independent candidates from riding on the party presidents including President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa told Zanu-PF members in Gokwe recently to be wary of individuals contesting the July 30 harmonised elections as independent candidates, but masquerading as ruling party cadres.

The President said such characters were not genuine Zanu-PF members and had no room in the party.