By Staff Writer
ZIMBABWE is set to gobble a whooping US$5 million on by-elections early next month, leaving many questioning the rationale behind such a huge budget above pressing national needs confronting the nation.
The polls were triggered by recalls made by one Sengezo Tshabangu , who emerged from the wilderness to claim a self – appointed position of Interim Secretary General the in the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) political party.
He recently recalled 14 legislators, including six elected through proportional representation as well as nine senators and 17 councilors.
Despite efforts by the recalled legislators to block the “illegal move” , the High Court of Zimbabwe last week dismissed the opposition application.
The Zimbabwe Elections Commission (ZEC) deputy chairperson Ambassador Rodney Kiwa this week revealed that Treasury had since given a nod to spend US$5 million on the polls.
“The government last week approved a US$5 million budget for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to conduct the by-elections to fill nine vacant seats in the National Assembly that were prompted by the expulsion of the opposition legislators last month,” he said.
The elections will be held in Beitbridge West ,Binga North ,Bulawayo South ,Cowdray Park ,Lobengula –Magwegwe,Lupane East ,Mabvuku –Tafara,Mpopoma –Mzilikazi and Nketa.
“The budget required for the 2023 be –elections is US$5,3 million equivalent to ZW$35 billion,” said Amb Kiwa.
“All other required materials like ballot papers , stationery ,tents , lights and ink are available.The commission was fully capacitated to meet the requirements of the upcoming by-elections by Treasury.
The commmssion is prepared to conduct the by-elections comfortably without any challenges.”
We began preparations for the nomination Court when President EMnangagwa proclaimed dates for the by-elections.
“We have signatures from the parties that we will use to receive nomination papers from prospective candidates,” he said.
However, experts have questioned the huge expenditure’s justification ahead of pressing humanitarian needs like health care , education and infrastructure.
