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Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson, Justice Priscilla Makanyara Chigumba, has called for the mandatory registration of political parties to prevent a recurrence of issues experienced during the 2023 harmonised elections.
In the run-up to the polls, electoral courts were inundated with a high volume of cases where candidates challenged the rejection of their nomination papers.
Chigumba stated that the Electoral Act should be amended to make it compulsory for all political parties to be formally registered with the authorities.
Alternatively, Chigumba suggested that there should be a cap on the timeframe within which candidates can appeal their candidature before elections, even in the absence of a party registration requirement.
The ZEC chairperson made these comments during a joint induction workshop of the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and the Thematic Committee on Human Rights, which was held in Bulawayo over the weekend. She said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/parties-should-be-registered-justice-chigumba/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
To solve the chaos around the nomination process, I made two recommendations: to register political parties or give time limits on electoral court challenges.
This means the electoral court will not accept any court challenges 30 days before election day.
The problem in Zimbabwe, as part of the electoral law, is that we have no legislation on the registration of political parties.
What we have are individuals notifying ZEC that they have established a political party and requesting to be added to the database.
</blockquote>
Chigumba argued that the lack of mandatory political party registration in Zimbabwe has led to a concerning lack of accountability.
She explained that when individuals make decisions on behalf of a political grouping, there is no clear entity that can be held responsible.
In contrast, Chigumba noted that in many other countries, political parties are required to register, similar to how companies are registered.
This, she said, makes these political entities more accountable, as they risk being deregistered if they fail to adhere to the necessary regulations and standards. Said Chugumba:
<blockquote>
There is no political will to register political parties. It is only at the Nomination Court where ZEC has an opportunity to legally engage political parties.
During the Nomination Court process, you find a lot of chaos around the nomination procedure because this is where candidates comply with laid-down procedures.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission wants all political parties to be forced to register with the government. This will stop problems like candidates challenging their rejection during elections. She also suggests having a deadline for court challenges before elections. In other countries, political parties have to register like companies, making them more responsible. Without registration, it's hard to hold parties accountable for their actions. The lack of registration causes chaos during elections in Zimbabwe. The chairperson believes that registering parties will help improve the election process.

Chigumba Calls For Compulsory Political Party Registration

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has re-appointed <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Priscilla_Chigumba">Priscilla Makanyara Chigumba</a> as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for another six-year term.
The reappointment, which was made in terms of Section 238 (5) of the Constitution, is with effect from 01 February 2023.
The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya advised Chigumba about the reappointment in a letter on Thursday night. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I am pleased to advise that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde. E.D. Mnangagwa has, in terms of Section 238(5) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (No. 20) Act 2013 re-appointed you as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission for a period of six years with effect from 1 February 2024.
</blockquote>
The extension of Chigumba’s tenure as ZEC’s chairperson will be considered a huge blow by progressive opposition political parties and pro-democracy campaigners as she has presided over two disputed general elections.
Various international election observer missions, including the SADC Election Observer Mission (SEOM), pointed out several issues in ZEC’s conduct in the August 2023 general elections.
Among other things, ZEC was accused of gerrymandering and failing to deliver ballot papers on time, resulting in the disenfranchisement of thousands of people especially in Harare, an opposition stronghold.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Priscilla Chigumba Re-appointed ZEC Chairperson For Another Six Years

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has issued strict guidelines for the upcoming elections. ZEC’s vice-chairman, Ambassador Rodney Kiwa, emphasised that all political campaigning must end by midnight on August 21, with legal consequences for any violations. August 22 is designated as a quiet day with no political campaigning allowed. Kiwa said:
<blockquote>
Any campaigning by any political party, candidates, or individuals should end on August 21 at midnight. August 22 should be a quiet day and no political campaigning is allowed. If any party campaigns they will be liable to the law, it’s in terms of the Electoral Act and they will be criminalised. Those who campaign will be bound to prosecution, as ZEC will see to that. Midnight on August 21 is the deadline.
</blockquote>
ZEC has also published a list of prohibited activities within a 300-meter radius of polling stations, including the ban on party regalia, slogans, political vehicles, leaflets, public performances, and the use of cameras or phones.
In a notice seen by Pindula News, the electoral body also said it is a punishable offence to refuse to leave a polling station when a Presiding Officer orders one to do so. Read the notice:
<blockquote>
<h3>REFUSAL TO LEAVE A POLLING STATION </h3>
It is an offence to refuse or fail to leave a polling station when lawfully required to do so by the Presiding Officer. Offenders are liable to a fine not exceeding level four or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment. (Electoral Act – Chapter 2;13, Section 90).
</blockquote>
Regarding ballot printing, ZEC announced the following quantities produced for each election category:
<ul>
<li>Presidential Election: 7,126,600 ballot papers</li>
<li>National Assembly Elections: 7,098,750 ballot papers</li>
<li>Council Elections: 6,861,650 ballot papers</li>
</ul>
ZEC’s chief elections officer, Mr Utloile Silaigwana, explained the reasons for the variation in the number of ballot papers printed for each election category. He stated that for the National Assembly election, the passing of an independent candidate in the Gutu West National Assembly constituency led to a postponement. In the local authority election, elections won’t be held in 91 wards due to unopposed candidates and the unfortunate demise of four candidates. These elections will be conducted at a later date.
ZEC has also published a list of the 12,374 polling stations distributed as follows:
<ul>
<li>Bulawayo: 434</li>
<li>Harare: 1,559</li>
<li>Manicaland: 1,623</li>
<li>Mashonaland Central: 1,107</li>
<li>Mashonaland East: 1,420</li>
<li>Mashonaland West: 1,507</li>
<li>Masvingo: 1,416</li>
<li>Matabeleland North: 920</li>
<li>Matabeleland South: 721</li>
<li>Midlands: 1,667</li>
</ul>
ZEC Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba confirmed that 6 623 511 people have been registered to vote in the elections. She also confirmed the following categories of participants in the elections:
<ul>
<li>Presidential Candidates: 11</li>
<li>National Assembly Candidates: 518</li>
<li>Independent Candidates: 64</li>
<li>Local Authority Candidates (sponsored by political parties): 4,648</li>
<li>Independent Local Authority Candidates: 266</li>
</ul>
Regarding the election of two Senators to represent persons with disabilities, ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Mr Utoile Silaigwana, provided the following information:
<ul>
<li>The Electoral College, consisting of specified associations and institutions, will convene on August 26.</li>
<li>The election will be conducted in accordance with section 120(1)(d) of the Constitution.</li>
<li>The specified associations and institutions are listed in Statutory Instrument 133 of 2023.</li>
<li>The Electoral College will gather at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 7 am to 7 pm to elect the Senators representing persons with disabilities.</li>
</ul>
Last month, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, prescribed a list of 119 associations and institutions. These entities will nominate individuals who will compose the Electoral College responsible for filling the Senate seats for Senators elected to represent persons with disabilities. The list was formulated after consultations with Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Paul Mavima.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZEC Sets Strict Election Guidelines, Including An August 21 Campaign Deadline

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Priscilla_Chigumba">Priscilla Chigumba</a> on Wednesday told Parliament that the electoral body has registered nearly six million voters for this year’s general elections.
Chigumba appeared before the joint Thematic Committee on Peace and Security and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice yesterday.
She said ZEC was still conducting the biometric voter registration exercise, which will end two days after the proclamation of the election date. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009794/6-million-on-voters-roll-zec">NewsDay</a> quoted Chigumba as saying:
<blockquote>
Voter registration will continue in all the districts until two days after the proclamation. To date, nearly six million voters have been registered.
The commission will only announce the number of voters who will be eligible to vote once the process is done.
The commission is making strides to ensure that elections will be conducted peacefully in an environment that ensures that the will of the electorate is realised.
The commission is satisfied that its preparations are well on course and is ready to discharge its mandate in accordance with the law.
</blockquote>
On allegations of leaking voters’ phone numbers to ZANU PF, Chigumba said, “We have to protect the data of our voters in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Voters in various districts are receiving messages praising the government’s work and signed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The texts were personalised to include the name of the recipients’ district — and signed “President ED Mnangagwa”.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZEC Has Registered Nearly Six Million Voters - Chigumba

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said that with effect from 20 February 2023, only three senior officials are allowed to speak on behalf of the elections management body.
The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zimbabwe-electoral-commission-appoints-three-spokespersons/">Chronicle</a> reported that ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba, her deputy Rodney Kiwa and Chief Elections Officer Utoile Silaigwana will be solely responsible for ZEC’s communication affairs.
Chigumba said the appointment of the three spokespersons is in line with the Electoral Act. She said:
<blockquote>
In terms of the Electoral Act and by the operation of law and virtue of conditions of oath of office and the ZEC Public Relations and Communication Policy, the following are the three officials statutorily designated to be the spokespersons of ZEC: a) Chairperson Honourable Justice P M Chigumba, b) Deputy chairperson Ambassador R Kiwa, c) Chief Elections Officer, Mr. U Silaigwana.
In light of the above, members of the public and electorate are hereby advised that with effect from 20 February 2023 the above-mentioned three people are exclusively spokespersons of ZEC.
</blockquote>
Chigumba said ZEC will respond to all media queries within 72 hours of receipt.
Prior to the latest development, Jasper Mangwana was the ZEC spokesperson after taking over from Joyce Laetitia Kazembe on the 18th of March 2022.

ZEC Appoints Three Spokespersons

Legal think-tank Veritas has warned that the ZANU PF-led government may dissolve Parliament and call an early election.
Zimbabwe is supposed to hold general elections between July 27 and August 26 2023 but this may not stop the government from calling for early polls, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200007002/zanu-pf-preparing-for-early-polls">NewsDay</a>.
The government is reportedly fast-tracking passage of the delimitation report as well as election-related legislation in Parliament and this is seen as part of a wider plot to call an early election that will find the opposition unprepared.
Veritas, in its latest weekly Election Watch report, said:
<blockquote>
There are straws in the wind which may point to an early election. Government may be trying to get important Bills through Parliament quickly so that Parliament can close for an early election.
Some of the Bills could be seen as strengthening the ruling party’s grip on society in advance of an election: the PVOs [Private Voluntary Organisations] Amendment Bill and the ‘Patriot Bill’, for example.
To say there have been problems with delimitation is putting it mildly.
The preliminary delimitation report that was presented to the President on December 26 was deeply flawed, as we pointed out in our Election Watches 1/2023 and 2/2023 and as Parliament pointed out in its report to the President.
No one seems to like the report, except perhaps the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and her deputy.
</blockquote>
Some of the outstanding Bills that are before Parliament include the Judicial Laws Amendment Bill, National Security Council Bill, Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, Child Justice Bill, Police Amendment Bill and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Bill. Veritas said:
<blockquote>
As we explained in our earlier Election Watches, delimitation must be completed at least six months before polling day in an election if it is to be used for that election (section 161(2) of the Constitution) and — unless Parliament is dissolved early — the next general election must be held between July 28 and August 26 this year.
So if this delimitation report is to be used in the mid-year election, it must have been published between January 28 (for an election held on July 28) and February 26 (for an election on August 26).
The report is already too late for a July election, and the deadline for an August election is fast approaching and probably cannot be met.
… If a final delimitation report cannot be produced in time, and existing electoral boundaries remain in place, an early election will be easier to arrange because it will not be necessary to reorganise and relocate polling stations, constituency centres and so on.
</blockquote>
On Friday, 03 February, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba was at State House to deliver to President Emmerson Mnangagwa the draft of the final report on the delimitation of constituency and ward boundaries which takes note of concerns that he and Parliament raised.
Chigumba said the draft report, which the President will now go through, could be gazetted in the next 14 days.

"ZANU PF Preparing For An Early Election"

Seven Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) commissioners, who refused to append their signatures to the preliminary delimitation report are reportedly being sidelined by ZEC chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba.
The seven commissioners are <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Rosewita_Marutare">Rosewita Murutare</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kudzai_Shava">Kudzai Shava</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Janet_Mbetu_Nzvenga">Jane Mbetu-Nzvenga</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Shepherd_Manhivi">Shepherd Manhivi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Abigail_Millicent_Mohadi_Ambrose">Abigail Mohadi</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jasper_Mangwana">Jasper Mangwana</a>, and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Catherine_Mpofu">Catherine Mpofu</a>.
They wrote to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Parliament accusing Chigumba and her deputy, Rodney Simukai Kiwa of not consulting them in crafting the report, resulting in them disowning the whole process.
NewsDay reported sources as saying the seven commissioners had hoped that Mnangagwa and Parliament would reject the report without making any recommendations.
However, both the President and Parliament made some recommendations. Said a NewsDay source:
<blockquote>
Chigumba is well-versed in the process since she is a judge. She was not disturbed by their move to discredit her.
Commissioners such as Manhivi, who is a registered legal practitioner with a law degree, and holds other two additional degrees in administration and international relations; and Mpofu, who is a language, communications specialist and peace practitioner and have experience working with the public, media and civil society from the legislative arm of the State, should be taking a leading role in the report, but have not been consulted.
It’s not happening, they are just redundant now.
</blockquote>
Mangwana said his hands were tied to comment on the issue, adding: “Please talk to ZEC chief executive officer Utloile Silaigwana.”
Silaigwana asked NewsDay to send questions in writing, but he had not responded to them by the time of going to print.
Chigumba is now said to be relying more on the ZEC secretariat to finish the recommendations within the timeframe provided by the Constitution. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006792/zec-chair-guns-for-rogue-commissioners">NewsDay</a>

Chigumba Sidelines Seven "Rogue" Commissioners

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Rodney Simukai Kiwa as the Deputy Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Kiwa holds a Masters’ degree in Public Administration from the University of South Africa and a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Rhodesia.
The appointment was announced by ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba in a statement. She said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is pleased to announce the designation of Commissioner Rodney Simukai Kiwa as Deputy Chairperson of the Commission.
His Excellency, the President, made the appointment in accordance with the law.
Commissioner Kiwa joined the Commission in November 2021. He is an expert in diplomacy, mediation and conflict resolution and former Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC). He is also an independent consultant on Peace and Security.
Commissioner Kiwa worked at the African Union Commission (AU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in various senior portfolios.
He has also attended several trainings including the Public Service Training School; Diplomatic Training under Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Kenya Foreign Service Institute; United Nations Senior Officials Training Programme and Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Commissioner Kiwa has made several national and international presentations on peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
</blockquote>
In a separate statement, Chigumba also announced that Jasper Mangwana will take over as ZEC spokesperson from Joyce Laetitia Kazembe whose term of office ends in July.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Rodney Kiwa Appointed As ZEC Deputy Chairperson

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has gazetted vacancies that occurred among the party-list members of the Senate resulting from the death of the incumbent members from both MDC Alliance and ZANU PF.
ZEC Chairperson Priscilla Chingumba announced in General Notice 225 of 2021 published in the Government Gazette.
The three seats were formally held by Christine Rambanepasi (MDC-A) from Manicaland, Ellen Gwaradzimba (ZANU PF), also from Manicaland and Sibusiso Busi Moyo (ZANU PF), from Midlands.
ZANU PF has nominated Frederick Makamure Shava and Dorothy Mabika to replace SB Moyo and Gwaradzimba, respectively. Said Chigumba:
<blockquote>THE public is hereby notified, in terms of section 39(6) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], that the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party has nominated Frederick Makamure Shava aregistered voter in Ward 2 of Gweru Municipality, of Plot No. 4, Umsungwe Road, Harben Park, Gweru, and Dorothy Mabika a registered voter in Ward 8 of Chipinge Central of 34, Main Street, Chipinge Town Council, to fill the vacancies in the Senate that occurred following the death of the incumbent Members of the Senate Subusiso Busi Moyo and Ellen Gwaradzimba, respectively.
Any voter wishing to object to the nomination of Frederick Makamure Shava and Dorothy Mabika may lodge them, in writing, with the Chief Elections Officer, at Mahachi Quantum Building, corner Kaguvi Street and Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare, or post them to Private Bag 7782, Causeway, within a period of 14 days from the date of publication of this notice, setting forth the reasons for the objections.</blockquote>

ZEC Gazettes 1 MDC-A,  2 Zanu-PF Seat Vacancies

I Meant To Say Zanu Is Open For Dialogue, Litigation Or Forming A Transitional Govt - Matemadanda Renounce "We Will Use Other Means If Elections Fail" Statements

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission( ZEC) yesterday published a statement that revealed that it has lifted the suspension on by-elections with immediate effect, In the statement, ZEC Chair Priscilla Chigumba said they will publish pending by-elections timelines in due course:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission would like to inform the public that it has lifted with immediate effect the suspension of electoral activities following measures taken by Government to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Electoral timelines for all the pending by-elections will be published in the press through notices in due course.
The lifting follows a cautionary observation of the pandemic’s trends and subsequent adoption of health safety measures including the drafting and operationalisation of a Covid-19 policy on electoral activities by the commission whose contents were open to stakeholders’ contribution. The Covid-19 policy on electoral activities which outlines how by-elections and other electoral activities will be conducted without exposing those involved to health risks is now on the Zec website <a class="vglnk" href="http://www.zec.org.zw/" rel="nofollow">www.zec.org.zw</a> for the public.
The commission is appealing to stakeholders to strictly adhere to the policy in order to curb the spread of the Covid-19 disease which is still highly contagious.</blockquote>
ZEC’s Chief Elections Officer Mr Utoile Silaigwana said not all vacant seats will be filled through by-elections though:
<blockquote>At the moment we have received notification of seven vacancies in the National Assembly of which six are through expulsion by their party and one through death. The death is that of Kwekwe’s Masango Matambanadzo. In the Senate there are nine vacancies and in local authorities we have 23 vacancies which have occurred through expulsions and deaths
…The public should take note that some vacancies will not be filled through by-elections as individual parties will replace them in the case of Proportional Representation MPs and Senators.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Zanu Pf and MDC T have already announced they will be contesting the vacant seats left vacant mainly by the latter recalling MDC Alliance legislators.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zec-lifts-suspension-on-all-electoral-activities/">Chronicle </a>

ZEC Lifts Electoral Activities Suspension, Says Some Vacant Parliamentary Seats Will Not Be Filled Through By-Elections

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Electoral_Commission" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)</a> has suspended all electoral activities, including the holding of by-elections in line with the government’s measures to suppress the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
In a statement, ZEC Chairperson Justice <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Priscilla_Chigumba" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Priscilla Chigumba</a> said the suspension means that the Chiredzi Rural District Council ward 16 by-election will no longer be held on 4 April 2020 as been scheduled, but at a later date to be advised. She said:
<blockquote>The suspension affects a byelection which was due to be held in ward 16 of Chiredzi Rural District Council on 4 April 2020 and the filling of any other vacancy which may arise during this period.
New dates for the conduct of any by-election will be notified in due course.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has so far confirmed three cases of coronavirus, with one of the patients sadly passing away on Monday this week.
The government has hitherto been reluctant to put the country on lockdown but there are fears that the virus could spread rapidly and affect a lot of people.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/zec-suspends-electoral-activities/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></h4>

ZEC Suspends All Electoral Activities Indefinitely

Justice Priscilla Chigumba is in South Africa where she was sent by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to observe the elections.
Zec commissioner Dr. Qhubani Moyo said that the electoral commission’s officials were also expected to also take a leaf from South Africa’s electoral systems. Moyo said:
<blockquote>Zec dispatched its chairperson Justice Chigumba, the director voter education (Rejoyce Sibanda) and its acting Chief Elections Officer (Utoile Silaigwana) to observe South Africa’s elections. This is also a follow up to the learning visit during which Zec had also dispatched its chairperson, commissioner (Qhubani) Moyo and its CEO and also members of political parties that are represented in Parliament to go and understand the electoral processes in South Africa as a neighbour and a member of Sadc. So it’s a follow up to go and have a practical understanding of what is going on there.</blockquote>
Moyo added that ZEC was invited in several other countries to observe elections and it will be sending representatives. This, as he said, will help improve the way the commission handles local electoral processes. He mentioned Commissioner (Dr. Ngoni) Kundidzora shall be sent to observe elections in Malawi which are happening in the next two weeks. 
ZEC has been facing criticism from political analysts and opposition parties for conducting local electoral processes in “an impartial” manner.
<h3>Related:</h3>
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<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/04/10/pictures-zec-carries-out-a-review-of-zims-electoral-processes/" rel="bookmark">PICTURES: ZEC Carries Out A Review Of Zim’s Electoral Processes</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/26/zesn-calls-on-zec-to-step-up-voter-education/" rel="bookmark">ZESN Calls On ZEC To Step Up Voter Education</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/02/07/zec-was-okay-before-chief-elections-fraudster-priscilla-chigumba-came-mdc-vice-president/" rel="bookmark">ZEC Was Okay Before ‘Election Fraudster’ Priscilla Chigumba Came – MDC Vice President</a></li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zec-deploys-justice-chigumba-to-observe-sa-elections/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Chronicle</a>

ZEC Sends Justice Priscillah Chigumba To Observe SA Elections

PICTURES: ZEC Chairperson Priscilla Chigumba Pregnant?

Shadaya Tawona who is popularly known for creating memes that comment on social issues said that he was summoned by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) yesterday after he retweeted a tweet from a parody account pretending to be ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba.
Tawona said the police said the charges were pressed by Chigumba. He said he was released on condition that he does not leave Zimbabwe and that he reports to the police at their request. Below is Tawona’s account of the incident:
<blockquote>Today I was called by the ZRP (CID department) to report to their offices on charges CRIMINAL INSULT. Apparently the charges were pressed by Mrs Priscilla Chigumba, according to the information I got from the police.
I spent the entire day at Morris Depot being interrogated with regards to this matter. The accusation is that I retweeted a tweet which sought to damage her personality. The tweet was from a parody account pretending to be Mrs Chigumba.
It’s alleged that my intention for retweeting was to not only tarnish her image but incite people. Fellow <a data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twimbos?src=hash"><s>#</s>twimbos</a> watch what you tweet or retweet, they’re people who monitor these social media sites. You will unknowingly find yourself in trouble.
I was released on conditions that I’ll not leave the country &amp; will have to report to the police at their request. The matter is said to go into court anytime, as I’m tweeting right now I don’t even know how long I’ll be a free man.
I’m not rich or powerful, I can’t afford lawyers, so it basically the matter is out of my hands, all I can do is leave it up to God. But <a data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twimbos?src=hash"><s>#</s>twimbos</a> you’ve been warned, these social media streets ain’t safe anymore. Watch what you say.
I think I’m even going to be deactivating some of my social media accounts, I don’t feel safe anymore, I don’t know if the memes I put will be used against me by someone else. Watch yourself <a data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twimbos?src=hash"><s>#</s>twimbos</a></blockquote>
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<h3><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/police-arrest-american-retweeting-charged-undermining-mugabes-authority/" rel="bookmark">Police arrest American for retweeting, charged with undermining Mugabe’s authority</a></h3>
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Shadaya Tawona Summoned By Police Over A Retweet

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) Acting Chief Elections Officer Utoile Silaigwana said the electoral commission’s chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba does not have a twitter account and members of the public should ignore the one attributed to her on social media.
Said Silaigwana:
<blockquote>The Zec wishes to inform members of the public that the chairperson of the commission, Justice Priscilla Makanyara Chigumba does not have a twitter account. The purported account on twitter attributed to her is fake and a fraudulent creation of unscrupulous elements meant to mislead the public. The Zec urges the public to disregard any statements posted on the fake twitter account.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/zec-disowns-chigumbas-fake-account/">Chronicle</a>

Chigumba Does Not Have Twitter Account: ZEC

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba said a picture of her wearing a scarf which is associated with President Mnangagwa was taken before she was appointed ZEC chairperson.
Chigumba could not however give the specific date or month when the picture was taken saying it was taken before she became ZEC chairperson. However, Celia Rukato the designer of the Mnangagwa scarf posted the picture on 5 February 2018. Chigumba said the scarf was designed to revive national consciousness and it was given to her as a present by the designer. Said Chigumba:
<blockquote>…the scarf which is now associated with a particular political candidate, that scarf was designed by a brilliant Zimbabwean girl who then approached a group of us when I was a High Court judge to say, “look I’ve designed a scarf in an effort to build national consciousness”. She didn’t only design the scarf, she designed a couple of caps that said Team Zimbabwe, she designed a cloth. She was trying to revive national consciousness and pride in our country and she actually gave me that scarf as a present at that venue where she was addressing us to say “Look I have designed a national dress. I’ve designed a national cloth. I want to build national consciousness. Do you as women judges, do you as a woman judge, do you want to support me?” And I did want to support her and I was very grateful for the present she gave me and I took a picture…Yes I did take a picture and this was before I became the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. I was a High Court judge.</blockquote>
Chigumba also added that ZEC commissioner Dr Qhubani Moyo thought the picture was photoshopped because they know she would never jeopardise ZEC’s image. Moyo was quoted by the State owned Chronicle saying the image is fake and meant to create an impression that Zec is partisan. Said Chigumba:
<blockquote>With regards to what I think about the statements made on my behalf by members of my staff, they obviously when they saw the picture they couldn’t believe it because they know very well how I’m always very careful around issues of perception. So in their view they obviously thought “It is obviously a photoshop because our chairperson would never do that”.</blockquote>
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<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/06/23/zec-speaks-on-chairperson-priscilla-chigumbas-photo-wearing-mnangagwa-scarf/">ZEC Speaks On Chairperson Priscilla Chigumba’s Photo Wearing Mnangagwa Scarf</a></h3>
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<h3 class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/06/23/zec-exposed-for-lying-chigumba-photo-wearing-mnangagwa-scarf-is-fake/" rel="bookmark">ZEC Exposed For Lying Chigumba Photo Wearing Mnangagwa Scarf Is Fake</a></h3>
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Chigumba Speaks On Wearing Mnangagwa Scarf, Defends ZEC Commissioner's "Lie"

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has written to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to register their concerns that they have been robbed of their right to vote. Some teachers who were seconded to Zec for the July 30 elections have been deployed to different wards. This means that they will not be able to vote as the elections are polling station based.
Part of a letter written to Zec, by PTUZ secretary-general Raymond Majongwe reads,
<blockquote>RE: DISENFRANCHISEMENT OF TEACHERS ON VOTING DUTIES
We have observed with concern that most teachers seconded to ZEC for the July 2018 election administration have been deployed outside their voting wards literally meaning they will not be able to vote. This is a clear contravention of the Constitution as they have been robbed of the inalienable right to vote. We are therefore requesting for an urgent meeting with your esteemed office to address this anomaly.
Your cooperation in this regard will be highly appreciated.</blockquote>
At the time of writting, Majongwe said that Zec was yet to respond.

Teachers Request Meeting With Zec, Concerned That They Have Been "Robbed" Of Right To Vote

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has said that it is considering following the law strictly instead of reaching out and trying to form a consensus with all political parties. Zec said that it had gone above and beyond what the law required yet the political parties were not satisfied. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Zec chairperson Priscilla Chigumba said,
<blockquote>ZEC has the exclusive constitutional obligation to design, print, safeguard and distribute ballot paper. There is no legal framework that allows some of these requests or demand by political parties. Different political parties want different things and quite evidently we have failed to build consensus so far we are now debating whether we continue the consensus-building exercise or just stick to the letter and spirit of the law.</blockquote>
This follows complaints by different opposition parties that Zec had denied them access to watch the printing of ballot papers.
<h3>Also Read, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/07/05/full-text-noah-manyikas-bza-says-process-to-watch-printing-of-ballot-papers-was-null-and-void-as-they-were-denied-access/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Full Text: Noah Manyika’s BZA Says Process To Watch Printing Of Ballot Papers Was Null And Void As They Were Denied Access</a></h3>
 
More: <a href="http://www.zbc.co.zw/just-in-consensus-with-political-parties-pointless-zec/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ZBC News</a>

Zec Reconsidering Trying To Build Consensus With Political Parties, Says It Seems Pointless

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) commissioner Dr Qhubani Moyo has been exposed for lying about a photograph of Justice Priscilla Chigumba wearing a scarf that has become synonymous with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Moyo is quoted by the State owned Chronicle saying the image is fake and meant to create an impression that Zec is partisan to some political parties. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>The fake picture of Justice Chigumba wearing a scarf popularly associated with one party is meant to create an impression that Zec is partisan to some political parties. The commission remains resolute in its independence as provided for by the constitution of Zimbabwe. We’ll continue to ensure that Zimbabweans are protected from such criminal elements.</blockquote>
However a Facebook post by Celia Rukato the designer of the Mnangagwa scarf on 5 February 2018 on her company page Chjaa Enterprises proves that Moyo is lying. Below is the image:
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-53565" decoding="async" height="391" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Chigumba-Real.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Chigumba-Real.jpg 800w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Chigumba-Real-300x147.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Chigumba-Real-768x375.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Chigumba-Real-600x293.jpg 600w" width="800"/>

ZEC Exposed For Lying Chigumba Photo Wearing Mnangagwa Scarf Is Fake

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba said they printed a sample to see if it is possible to print a ballot paper with a list of more than 129 political parties, which have notified the commission of their intention to participate in the elections.
Said Chigumba:
<blockquote>There has been concern from the public on how we’ll handle the high number of political parties and prospective candidates for the forthcoming elections. We’ve printed a sample of the ballot paper with all the 129 parties that have so far indicated their intention to participate in the elections. It’s therefore possible to have all the parties appearing on the ballot paper although it’s going to be in form of a booklet. We’re talking of more than 100 political parties but the final figure will be determined by how many of them meet the requirements at the nomination court. The number that we have now, which is likely to increase is not the measure of those going to participate given the rigorous vetting process done by the nomination court. We, however, printed a sample of the ballot paper with the current number so that we’re prepared.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/129-parties-on-zec-sample-ballot-paper/">Chronicle</a>

ZEC Prints Sample Ballot Paper With 129 Political Parties

Justice Priscilla Chigumba was sworn in as the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission today. Justice Chigumba takes over the management of the elections body from Supreme Court judge, Justice Rita Makarau who quit the position in December. She was sworn in by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Justice Chigumba emphasized that her mandate was to uphold the Constitution and follow the law. Said Chigumba
<blockquote>In terms of the constitution, we are mandated to hold an election this year before June.
My mandate is to follow the law as it is. I will execute my mandate in a manner that will deliver free, fair and credible elections, in line with what the head of state has promised the world.</blockquote>
Her predecessor, Justice Makarau did not give reasons for stepping down, although some have claimed that her situation had become untenable due to her alleged close relationship to former president Robert Mugabe.
Image Credit: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&amp;vertical=default&amp;q=chigumba&amp;src=typd">ZBC News</a>

I Will Follow The Law As It Is: New Zec Chair Chigumba

High Court judge Justice Priscilla Chigumba was sworn in today as the new chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) taking over from Justice Rita Makarau who resigned in December.
Here is how some Zimbabweans reacted to the appointment:
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
MDCT congratulates Justice Priscilla Chigumba on her appointment as chairperson of <a href="https://twitter.com/ZECzim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZECzim</a>. We look forward to genuine and meaningful interaction with her commission. <a href="https://twitter.com/Wamagaisa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wamagaisa</a>
— Sen Douglas Mwonzora (@DMwonzora) <a href="https://twitter.com/DMwonzora/status/958975273730543616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
https://twitter.com/DavidColtart/status/958941395670192129
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Whilst President Mnangagwa has made good appointments to the Procurement Board &amp; ZIMRA when it came to the vital appointment of a ZEC Chair he has failed. He should never have appointed a Judge who was questioned by both the former CJ &amp; current CJ re corruption allegations.
— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidColtart/status/958940667740344320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
The fact that the new ZEC Chairlady Justice Priscilla Chigumba has a strong record of making Court rulings agnst ZANU PF&amp;in favour of the Opposition yet President EDM chose her shows the President's respect for merit. With regard to her It shows her independence! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EDhasMYVOTE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EDhasMYVOTE</a>
— Jones Musara (@JonesMusara) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonesMusara/status/958891060884746241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
The appointment was probably the worst kept secret of the “New Era”. Now the questions begin: who is Priscilla Chigumba? Does she have the mettle to withstand the pressure that comes with this highly politicised job? <a href="https://t.co/T5Zb5ubMnb">https://t.co/T5Zb5ubMnb</a>
— Alex T Magaisa 🇿🇼 (@Wamagaisa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wamagaisa/status/958709126196056065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
I was very excited for Justice Chigumba’s appointment to ZEC. Many of us first heard of her during the Evan Mawarire trial. Now, I am cautiously optimistic. Her former colleagues say she is quite corrupt. confused but Yay for women 🤔we can celebrate a little I think <a href="https://t.co/CSW6pvw8pa">pic.twitter.com/CSW6pvw8pa</a>
— Chipo Dendere (@drDendere) <a href="https://twitter.com/drDendere/status/958748239322329088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed High Court judge Priscilla Chigumba as the new chair of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Interesting choice. Some will say controversial choice. With elections now 4 to 5 months away, the authorities are placing their ducks in a row.
— Brezh Malaba (@BrezhMalaba) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrezhMalaba/status/958704822328418304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
And i think priscilla is pretty,as compared to….. I shant mention her name. 😍😍
— spartan (@spartan7098471) <a href="https://twitter.com/spartan7098471/status/958835465339187201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
https://twitter.com/knowledgemasuk3/status/958876783461519360
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
The same Priscilla Chigumba who allowed demonstrators to protest in Harare against the wishes of RGM? Interesting times ahead indeed
— Marcus (@rusticrealist) <a href="https://twitter.com/rusticrealist/status/958706963281412097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Beautiful Judge Priscilla Chigumba🤣. Do you know that she suspended the police ban on demonstration in 2016. Anyway lets see, handei tione
— Godfrey Machemedze the Zambezian (@GMachemedze) <a href="https://twitter.com/GMachemedze/status/958707592733347841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<blockquote data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
As a Judge, the new Chairperson of ZEC Justice Priscilla Chigumba bravely refused to be bullied by anyone include then President Mugabe and then Chief Justice Chidyausiku. She has proven bravery, independence and intelligence that is why President EDM chose her.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EDhasMYVOTE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EDhasMYVOTE</a> !
— Jones Musara (@JonesMusara) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonesMusara/status/958894057886924800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>

How Zimbabweans Reacted To The Appointment Of Justice Priscilla Chigumba As New ZEC Chairperson

High Court judge Justice Priscilla Chigumba was sworn in today as the new chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) taking over from Justice Rita Makarau who resigned in December.
Here is how some Zimbabweans reacted to the appointment:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
MDCT congratulates Justice Priscilla Chigumba on her appointment as chairperson of <a href="https://twitter.com/ZECzim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZECzim</a>. We look forward to genuine and meaningful interaction with her commission. <a href="https://twitter.com/Wamagaisa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wamagaisa</a>
— Sen Douglas Mwonzora (@DMwonzora) <a href="https://twitter.com/DMwonzora/status/958975273730543616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
https://twitter.com/DavidColtart/status/958941395670192129
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Whilst President Mnangagwa has made good appointments to the Procurement Board &amp; ZIMRA when it came to the vital appointment of a ZEC Chair he has failed. He should never have appointed a Judge who was questioned by both the former CJ &amp; current CJ re corruption allegations.
— David Coltart (@DavidColtart) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidColtart/status/958940667740344320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
The fact that the new ZEC Chairlady Justice Priscilla Chigumba has a strong record of making Court rulings agnst ZANU PF&amp;in favour of the Opposition yet President EDM chose her shows the President's respect for merit. With regard to her It shows her independence! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EDhasMYVOTE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EDhasMYVOTE</a>
— Jones Musara (@JonesMusara) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonesMusara/status/958891060884746241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
The appointment was probably the worst kept secret of the “New Era”. Now the questions begin: who is Priscilla Chigumba? Does she have the mettle to withstand the pressure that comes with this highly politicised job? <a href="https://t.co/T5Zb5ubMnb">https://t.co/T5Zb5ubMnb</a>
— Alex T Magaisa 🇿🇼 (@Wamagaisa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wamagaisa/status/958709126196056065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
I was very excited for Justice Chigumba’s appointment to ZEC. Many of us first heard of her during the Evan Mawarire trial. Now, I am cautiously optimistic. Her former colleagues say she is quite corrupt. confused but Yay for women 🤔we can celebrate a little I think <a href="https://t.co/CSW6pvw8pa">pic.twitter.com/CSW6pvw8pa</a>
— Chipo Dendere (@drDendere) <a href="https://twitter.com/drDendere/status/958748239322329088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed High Court judge Priscilla Chigumba as the new chair of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Interesting choice. Some will say controversial choice. With elections now 4 to 5 months away, the authorities are placing their ducks in a row.
— Brezh Malaba (@BrezhMalaba) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrezhMalaba/status/958704822328418304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
And i think priscilla is pretty,as compared to….. I shant mention her name. 😍😍
— spartan (@spartan7098471) <a href="https://twitter.com/spartan7098471/status/958835465339187201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
https://twitter.com/knowledgemasuk3/status/958876783461519360
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
The same Priscilla Chigumba who allowed demonstrators to protest in Harare against the wishes of RGM? Interesting times ahead indeed
— Marcus (@rusticrealist) <a href="https://twitter.com/rusticrealist/status/958706963281412097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Beautiful Judge Priscilla Chigumba🤣. Do you know that she suspended the police ban on demonstration in 2016. Anyway lets see, handei tione
— Godfrey Machemedze the Zambezian (@GMachemedze) <a href="https://twitter.com/GMachemedze/status/958707592733347841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
As a Judge, the new Chairperson of ZEC Justice Priscilla Chigumba bravely refused to be bullied by anyone include then President Mugabe and then Chief Justice Chidyausiku. She has proven bravery, independence and intelligence that is why President EDM chose her.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EDhasMYVOTE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EDhasMYVOTE</a> !
— Jones Musara (@JonesMusara) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonesMusara/status/958894057886924800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Senator David Coltart has criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of Priscilla Chigumba as the new Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson replacing Justice Rita Makarau who resigned under yet to be disclosed circumstances.
Writing on micro-blogging site Twitter, Coltart argued that Mnangagwa should never have appointed a Judge who was questioned by both the former Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku and the current one Luke Malaba on corruption allegations. Wrote Coltart:
https://twitter.com/DavidColtart/status/958940667740344320
Coltart is referring to the bribery allegations which were levelled against Chigumba during her interview to be a Supreme Court judge in 2017. While a section of the public feels that this was a smear campaign against Chigumba who is known for her ruling against a Government ban on demonstrations and clearing Pastor Even Mawarire of attempting to overthrow the government of Mugabe and inciting others to commit public violence, Constitutional law expert Alex Magaisa believes the bribery allegations will continue to haunt her unless there is a definite public clearance. However, Magaisa argues that “ An allegation alone is not enough to disqualify her from holding the ZEC Chair”. Writing on his website <a href="https://www.bigsr.co.uk/single-post/2018/01/31/BSR-Justice-Chigumba---the-new-ZEC-Chairperson">The Big Saturday Read</a>, Magaisa argues:
<blockquote>
The allegations of bribery will probably haunt her into her new job unless there is a definite public clearance. She was accused of demanding a $20,000 bribe from a litigant in a matter she was adjudicating. She protested vehemently against these allegations. It is not clear whether she was cleared but her appointment would suggest that she was. If she was cleared of the allegations, that clearance did not receive sufficient publicity to clear her name in the court of public opinion. In any event, the allegations seem to have cost her a promotion to the Supreme Court. She was going through the interview process for the job when the allegations were first publicly disclosed. 
If there is any semblance of truth in the allegations, then it casts doubt on her credibility for the job as she would appear to be corruptible. However, if she was cleared of the allegations, and it is possible that it may have been a smear campaign, then this needs to be made clear in order to give confidence to all political actors and the electorate. Every person, including a judge, is entitled to due process, which means she must be regarded as innocent until proven guilty and she ought to be given a chance to defend herself. An allegation alone is not enough to disqualify her from holding the ZEC Chair. 
</blockquote>

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