Nera Pushes for Electoral Reforms, Not Regime Chan...

Nera Pushes for Electoral Reforms, Not Regime Change

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Despite the contested 2023 elections in Zimbabwe, a consortium of opposition parties called the National Electoral Reform Agenda has maintained that it is not seeking regime change, but rather pushing for crucial reforms to ensure free and fair elections in the future.

Nera spokesperson, who is also MDC-T president, Douglas Mwonzora emphasises that the 2023 elections were riddled with issues, including pre-election disputes over delimitation, candidate eligibility, and campaign practices. He points to concerns raised by regional and international observer missions, citing the elections as falling short of democratic standards.

Looking ahead to the 2028 elections, Nera said it is solely focused on achieving electoral reforms.

However, Nera avoided questioning the legitimacy of the current Zanu PF government, leaving that challenge to the parties who contested the 2023 elections.

Mwonzora said their goal is not to remove or install anyone into power, but to create a system where voters freely choose their representatives. He believes reforms benefit everyone, including the government, by fostering international acceptance and improving the overall democratic process.

The MDC Alliance leader said he hoped that these reforms would improve the acceptability and transparency of future elections, ultimately restoring Zimbabwe’s image on the international stage.

“Well the position of Nera is that the 2023 elections remain disputed, there were disputes before the elections took place, there was a fight about delimitation,” Mwonzora said in an interview with Zim Now.

“There was a fight as elections were going on about candidature and the exclusion of other candidates from contesting the elections that is a matter of historical record and, regarding what actually happened in this election is something that is known by people who contested in this election but the observer missions commented on the elections and they do not really give our elections a clean bill of health, this the reason why Nera was formed.

“It is to make sure that we put behind us the issue of disputed elections and we are going to be engaging the government and all political parties and civic society to make sure that we have a list of reforms that will make our elections much better or more acceptable,” said Mwonzora.

Beyond the internal political landscape, Nera expressed concern about Zimbabwe’s international isolation due to ongoing election issues. Mwonzora emphasised the negative impact this isolation has on ordinary citizens, highlighting his hope that reforms would pave the way for better international relations and improved living conditions for all Zimbabweans.

While acknowledging the problems of the 2023 elections, Nera underscored its commitment to achieving electoral reforms through constructive dialogue and engagement. Their focus lie on ensuring free and fair elections in the future, benefiting both the Zimbabwean people and the country’s international standing.