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Herald Reporter
ZAMBIAN opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) faction leader Gaston Sichilima has said that SADC’s observer mission leader, Dr Nevers Mumba “lacks the moral fiber” to be an election observer and should thus be recalled.
Consequently, the opposition leader yesterday wrote to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema seeking Dr Mumba’s withdrawal from the observer mission as he is partial to the election outcome and a close ally to Presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa, a static which he says is a clear conflict of interest.
In a letter to President Hichilema, Mr Sichilima said Dr Mumba’s removal from the observer mission was a necessity as it would promote the Zimbabwe harmonised elections’ integrity.
This comes after Dr Mumba came out guns blazing denouncing Zimbabwe’s electoral processes something that was against the grain in terms of the mandate of his mission.
His integrity has been questioned by Mr Sichilima as the former Zambian Vice President continues to illegally cling to power as the MMD’s party president even after he has served his terms.
“We are of the view that Pastor Mumba is not fit to act as an election observer worse more the head of mission because among others, he has refused to resign as the Party President of our party even after his two 5 years each constitutional tenure ended on the 25th of May, 2022 after ascending to the MMD Presidency on the 25th of May, 2012.
“If the elections where to be disputed, what advise can one who is ilegally holding on to a political office giving to the various parties? He lacks the moral fiber to be an election observer worse more a head of mission.
“Secondly, one of the participants at Presidential Election Mr, Nelson Chaminsa is a close friend of Pastor Mumba. With his close connection to Mr Chamisa, we feel that he can’t make an accurate and professional report in drawing up a conclusion of the election. As a Man of Clergy, we expected Pastor Mumba to declare interest and decline to be an election observer worse more head the mission,” he said.
“With the above reasons, we kindly call upon Your Excellency to immediately withdraw the appointment of Dr Nevers Mumba as Head of Mission to the Zimbabwe General Election in order to promote the integrity of the elections.”
Online Reporter