By Staff Reporter
The National Elections Agenda (NERA) in Zimbabwe has joined forces with approximately 20 opposition political parties that refrained from participating in the 2023 general elections.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) seals this alliance, with MDC-A President Douglas Mwonzora appointed as NERA’s spokesperson and Freedom of Rights Under Sovereign (FORUS) party president Manyara Irene Muyenziwa, emerging as the convener.
Speaking at the signing in ceremony in Harare, Mwonzora explained that NERA aims to advocate for electoral reforms in the country, given Zimbabwe’s history of disputed elections.
“The aim of NERA is to spearhead electoral reforms in the country. Our country has a history of disputed elections, and we need to stop that. Membership of NERA is open to all political parties whether they participated in previous elections or not,” said Mwonzora
In her address, Muyenziwa said NERA will play a pivotal role in paving the way for a democratic process.
“We are acutely aware of the political and economic hurdles that our country faces and it is imperative that we prioritise their resolution forging a collective path will help us to surmount these challenges and forge a prosperous Zimbabwe. Nera’s role is pivotal in championing electoral reforms, it is through these reforms that we can ensure that our election is truly free, fair and credible by championing, transparency, accountability and inclusivity, NERA is paving the way for a democratic process that genuinely reflects the will of the people,” Muyenziwa said
Zimbabwe’s history of disputed elections has strained its relations with Western powers and other countries.
These entities now demand electoral reforms as a prerequisite for re-engagement. Notable elections, such as those in 2008, 2018, and 2023, have been marred by allegations of ZANU PF violence against opposition supporters and claims of election result manipulation in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
