By Takudzwa Changadeya
The newly formed opposition Democratic Union of Zimbabwe (DUZ) leader Robert Chapman has announced his withdrawal from contesting in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for August 23 this year.
Chapman’s primary concern for the withdrawal is the exorbitant nomination fees, among others, by the electoral body, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
To contest as a presidential candidate, one must fork out a hefty sum of US$20,000 or the equivalent in RTGS at the prevailing exchange rate and those vying for the 210 Parliament seats are required to pay US$1,000.
In a statement, Chapman depicted that he had successfully submitted his paperwork to the nomination court on Wednesday and the withdrawal followed a discussion with his party members.
“On June 21st, 2023, the Democratic Union of Zimbabwe (DUZ} filed its Presidential nomination papers for Robert Chapman. Around 15:20 local Harare time, the nomination courts ‘approved’ the candidacy of Robert Chapman to contest in the 2023 Zimbabwe Harmonized Elections.
“After great discussion with the Democratic Union of Zimbabwe top leadership and its advisory, friends and colleagues, including the circulation of the Bulawayo province, the party and president reached the decision to withdraw the presidential candidate from the 2023 elections citing key reasons,” partly reads the statement.
Cited key reasons are as follows:
– The political financial constraints on the President and the party against the required Zimbabwe
Electoral Commission Fee’s to contend the country. If a party were to contest all seats, it would cost $250,000 and that’s before the campaign. This has a chilling effect on democracy.
– The remaining time to voting day without addressing issues around the voter’s roll, polling agent training and costs, and campaign.
– The possible continuation of fractionalization and possible infiltration against the remaining 60+ days to voting day.
– The economic challenges of the nation hindering political support to the remaining requirements to campaign and field a strong race.
– The extreme political polarization coupled economic challenges yields concern to campaign in a free and fair environment.
Chapman will support the House of Assembly and local council DUZ candidates nominated successfully on June 21st, 2023, the statement revealed.
“The party is focused on building for the future and its best at this time to focus our resources on these local and constituency campaigns.
“The Democratic Union of Zimbabwe and President Robert Chapman look at 2023 as a tough yet valuable lesson to appreciate in the rebuilding, restructuring and key preparedness of 2028,” reads the statement.
