By Takudzwa Changadeya
Opposition, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has slamed the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for mishandling the electoral process.
Criticisms have escalated following delays in the printing of ballot papers, leading to the delays in voting at some polling stations around the county, particularly in Harare and Bulawayo.
The delays led the opposition to question the the electoral body’s commitment and ability to oversee a transparent election.
Addressing journalists today in Harare,
CCC’s new spokesperson and former vibrant Tajamuka leader, Promise Mkwananzi expressed his disappointment saying:
“We are very disappointed with how the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is handling the electoral process.
“Their delays in printing of ballot papers have proven to us that they are unwilling to deliver fairness in this election.
“They had five years of preparation, but yet it wasn’t enough for them.” He said.
In response to the outrage, ZEC said previous Court challenges were the cause of the delays in the ballot paper printing process, leading delays to in reaching the polling stations.
“Delays in the opening have largely been caused by delays in the printing of the ballot paper arising from numerous Court challenges. This has been the case with Harare and Bulawayo provinces,” partly reads the statement.
ZEC added: “The public is advised that all polling stations that opened late for reasons beyond the control of the presiding officer will remain open to cater for the period of the delay, keeping in mind that the polling station must remain open for a continuous period of at least 12 hours on polling day.”
