By Staff Reporter
The National Elections Reform Agenda (NERA) says it has garnered significant support from both political parties and civil society organizations.
This follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 24th in Bulawayo which brought together over five political parties and numerous civil society groups, highlighting a growing commitment to vital electoral reforms.
Addresing journalists in Harare, NERA Convener Irene Manyara Muyenziwa emphasized the organization’s vision for a Zimbabwe where transparency, fairness, and credibility are foundational elements of the electoral system.
“The signing of the MOU has not only brought together political parties has also garnered the attention and interest of numerous civil society organizations. On the 24th of January, more than 5 political parties and civil societies gathered in Bulawayo, further exemplifying the growing support for the cause of credible elections in Zimbabwe.
“NERA envisions a Zimbabwe where transparency, fairness and credibility form the bedrock of our electoral system. We strive for reforms that guarantee the independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), transparent appointment of ZEC Commissioners, non alignment of security forces with any political party and right of assisted voters to choose their own assistants, among other crucial reforms. These changes are essential to enhance the integrity and inclusivity of our electoral process.
“We believe that political parties and their leaders have collective responsibility to foster non-violence, tolerance and respect for the rules of law throughout the electoral process. It is through peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue that we can secure the futures we aspire to build for our nation,” said Muyenziwa
She said the country’s economic crisis is a result of bad politics.
“It is crucial to emphasise that NERA is not about individuals, it is about an idea. We value ideas over personalities and focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past.
“It is important to recognise that the misunderstandings and political squabbles that have plagued our nation have hindered investment and economic growth. Without investor confidence, our economy struggles to thrive. The progress of our country is intricately linked to politics and it is evident that bad politics hinder development,” she said
Muyenziwa implored Zimbabweans, political parties and stakeholders to actively engage in the electoral process.
