Linda Masarira supports US$20 000 nomination fees for presidents
Labour Economist and African Democrats (LEAD) president Linda Masarira says the US$20 000 Presidential nomination fee pegged by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is fair.
Masarira is, however, not happy with the nomination fees for Members of Parliament arguing that it is too steep.
In an interview, the outspoken politician said most people will be blocked from representing their constituencies by the fees and that they must be revised downwards.
‘’The amount pegged for the Presidential candidate is fair, however, the values pegged for parliamentary candidates are too steep and discriminatory towards those who can’t afford but have a passion to represent people in their constituencies.
‘’It is imperative for ZEC to review downwards all the other nomination fees so as to afford all Zimbabweans a chance to represent at the local and parliamentary levels.
‘’In the spirit of leaving no one behind, the government should seriously consider upholding Section 67 of the constitution of Zimbabwe which enshrines political rights to all Zimbabweans without fear or favour,’’ she said.
Masarira the only one supporting exorbitant nomination fees
Masarira appears to be the only one supporting the exorbitant Presidential nomination fees.
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Lovemore Madhuku criticised the fees during a press conference, arguing that it does help in making the elections free and fair.
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere also criticised the fees on social media.
Mahere and Madhuku are joined by National Patriotic Front (NPF) leader Tendai Peter Munyanduri in criticising the fees.
According to Munyanduring if the fees are not slashed the Presidential ballot paper will only have lawyers President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Nelson Chamisa, and Douglas Mwonzora competing. Munyanduri is of the view that ZEC should use educational qualifications instead of money in screening the candidates.
Meanwhile, Masarira has also highlighted that the nomination fees for Parliament will greatly affect women who are not well resourced.
‘’Women will be greatly affected as most women have no access to large amounts of money.
”Sadly, women are still suffering from structural marginalisation and make very little profit from their hustles in small to medium enterprises they operate. These nomination fees are way beyond the reach of average Zimbabweans,” she said.
Linda Masarira supports US$20 000 nomination fees for presidents
