‘Sanyatwe remarks undermine electoral trust’, Thabani Mpofu tells Chigumba

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is facing pressure to address the controversial remarks made by General Anselem Sanyatwe, the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, at a Zanu PF rally in Nyanga North constituency.

Sanyatwe’s statements, which vowed that Zanu-PF would remain in power “until donkeys grow horns” and threatened to use “command voting” to ensure the party’s continued dominance, have sparked outrage among opposition parties and civic organizations.

In a letter to ZEC Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba, lawyer and human rights advocate Thabani Mpofu demanded that the commission publicly refute Sanyatwe’s assertion and assure the public that they are not complicit in undermining the popular will.

Mpofu argued that Sanyatwe’s remarks violated the Constitution and the Electoral Act, and that ZEC’s failure to address the issue would have consequences for the integrity of the electoral process.

“In these remarks, General Sanyatwe not only wades into issues beyond his constitutional remit but also asserts, his as well as the army’s preparedness to undermine the vote and not respect its sanctity.

“Your Commission’s ability to deliver a credible election has been put in issue by remarks that suggest its complicity in undermining the popular will,” Mpofu said.

“I wonder whether there is any truth to the sting of General Sanyatwe’s assertion.

“If you consider this assertion false, I kindly request that you publicly refute it with a firm assurance that your commission is not on the army’s back and call.

“If you choose reticence, I kindly request that you account for it, the statement considered.”

Mpofu added: “General Sanyatwe’s statement undermines the trust and confidence of the electorate in the electoral process. This as you are aware, has been no small issue.

“A clear and prompt refutation of this assertion will help to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and re-assure the public that the Electoral Commission is committed to upholding the sanctity of the vote.

“Your attention is drawn to sections 155(1), 156(c)(1), 233 and 239 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013 and to the obligations that have been triggered by this tainted tale. The failure to call out this constitutional delinquency most indubitably has consequences.

“I would appreciate your attention to this grave matter within 7 days.”

Mpofu in his letter to Sanyatwe last week also alleged that Sanyatwe threatened to rig elections in favor of Zanu-PF and against the opposition, violating Section 155 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13).

Mpofu, additionally, claimed that Sanyatwe’s conduct was unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman, as it amounted to a willful and wanton violation of the Constitution and laws of Zimbabwe.