ZEC officials asked the media to stop questioning them about the disputed elections tender involving Wicknell Chivayo, claiming they had no answers. The electoral body faces criticism over a questionable US$40 million tender awarded to the Zanu PF-connected businessman for electoral materials during the contested August 2023 election. Leaked audio recordings caught Chivayo, who has fraud convictions, confirming he received the multimillion-dollar tender from ZEC. He partnered with jailed businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu through Betterbrands Security to join South African company Ren-Form CC for Zimbabwe electoral contracts.
The revelation angered many Zimbabweans, who demanded ZEC explain the alleged tender. When reporters asked about it during a news conference before the Glen View South by-election, ZEC deputy chairperson Rodney Kiwa insisted the matter didn't involve them. "We won't issue a Press statement on the issue that has nothing to do with us," Kiwa stated. He refused to discuss figures related to the elections or answer additional questions about the controversy.
Kiwa announced the commission would spend ZiG25.5 million on today's Glen View South constituency and Rushinga Rural District ward 19 by-elections. The commission's refusal to address the Chivayo situation has increased public suspicion about electoral transparency. Five candidates are competing for the Glen View South seat following opposition Citizens Coalition for Change legislator Gladmore Hakata's death earlier this year.
The revelation angered many Zimbabweans, who demanded ZEC explain the alleged tender. When reporters asked about it during a news conference before the Glen View South by-election, ZEC deputy chairperson Rodney Kiwa insisted the matter didn't involve them. "We won't issue a Press statement on the issue that has nothing to do with us," Kiwa stated. He refused to discuss figures related to the elections or answer additional questions about the controversy.
Kiwa announced the commission would spend ZiG25.5 million on today's Glen View South constituency and Rushinga Rural District ward 19 by-elections. The commission's refusal to address the Chivayo situation has increased public suspicion about electoral transparency. Five candidates are competing for the Glen View South seat following opposition Citizens Coalition for Change legislator Gladmore Hakata's death earlier this year.
