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CHRA
rejects the proposed harmonization of elections
Combined Harare
Residents Association (CHRA)
February 07, 2007
The Combined
Harare Residents Association (CHRA) rejects the proposed harmonization
of elections by the ruling party at its 10th Annual Peoples Conference
in December 2006, which is yet to be taken to parliament. Harmonization
of elections is not necessarily a bad idea, however in the current
prevailing political situation, harmonization is inimical to democracy.
ZANU PF itself has even rejected the proposal, as it was not approved
as a Conference resolution, a sign of growing discontent over the
dictatorship and political hegemony within the ruling party. CHRA
views the move as it is a political gimmick to protect the interest
of the regime. CHRA rejects the proposed harmonization of elections
for the following reasons;
- Harmonization
will cause chaos in polling stations, as voters will have to make
three electoral choices for member of the House of Assembly, Senator
and the President, Mixed boundaries will add to the confusion
and difficulty.
- Harmonization
will be very costly and will exacerbate the deteriorating economic
situation. It is therefore not an economic priority at the moment.
Its continued debate represents the ruling party's misplaced
priorities.
- The confusion
during the casting of votes will increase the potential for rigging.
The ruling party has a history of employing its own militia as
elections monitors who intimidate people mostly in rural areas.
This will seriously compromise the elections.
- Harmonization
will see presidential tenure extended by two years perpetuating
the continued stay in power of the illegitimate head of state,
which will intensify the suffering of the generality of Zimbabweans.
- The ruling
party must address the election fundamentals and establish an
independent electoral body to supervise and manage elections in
line with the SADC protocols.
- Harmonization
is a self-serving agenda for the ruling party to harness and mobilize
support for its presidential candidate.
- Harmonization
entails amending the constitution for the 18th time within 27
years. CHRA joins other civil society organizations in demanding
a holistic constitutional reform process as opposed to piecemeal
amendments. We demand a people driven constitution now.
- Harmonization
of elections in 2010 denies the constitutional right of Zimbabweans
to elect a leader of their own choice in 2008. Zimbabweans will
have to be forced to wait another two years to have an opportunity
for change.
- Harmonization
through parliament alone is insufficient. Unless a referendum
is held, CHRA rejects the proposed harmonization of elections,
as the suffering masses will not be able to express their voices.
- The issue
of harmonization of elections is not in any way a panacea to resolving
the current governance crisis.
The Combined
Harare Residents Association (CHRA) will join hands with all pro-democratic
forces in the country to fight the proposed harmonization of elections.
The Association will sensitize and mobilize its membership to resist
harmonization as it will bring more poverty and suffering to the
people of Zimbabwe through perpetuating an illegitimate regime that
continues to wage war on our citizens.
Visit the CHRA
fact
sheet
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