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Nokuthaba Mathema Chronicle Reporter
THE regional body, Sadc, is expected to send about 600 observers for the harmonised elections to be held on 31 July, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) chairperson Justice Rita Makarau said. In a statement, Justice Makarau said the exact number of observers would be established after accreditation had been concluded.
“Sadc has indicated that it may send a plus or minus 600 observers who will monitor the harmonised elections. However, the number of observers expected from the regional bloc can only be ascertained after the completion of the accreditation process,” said Justice Makarau.
She said only $38,5 million had been released by Treasury out of the $132 million required for the harmonised elections.
“So far Treasury has released $38,5 million against the $132 million budget for the elections,” said Justice Makarau.
Meanwhile, Zec chief elections officer Mr Lovemore Sekeramayi in a statement yesterday said the accreditation team in Matabeleland North had relocated.
“It is hereby notified for general information that the Zec provincial accreditation team for Matabeleland North has with effect from 10 July relocated to Halfway House Hotel in Lupane, from Baobab Hotel in Hwange.
“All prospective observers in Matabeleland North to be accredited to observe the 2013 harmonised elections are advised to take note of the relocation,” he said.
Mr Sekeramayi also said Zec would tomorrow hold an observers briefing, which is a review of the electoral body ahead of the harmonised elections.
“Zec is inviting all accredited observers for the 2013 harmonised elections to an observer briefing to be held on 13 July in Harare. The workshop is meant to give an update on the various electoral processes to be taken note of and to brief them on what Zec has done so far in its preparations for the harmonised elections,” he said.
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