Zanu-PF polling agents paid from CIO offices

Allegedly, Zanu-PF polling agents in Gutu have received their allowances from the CIO (Central Intelligence Organisation) offices at Mpandawana, suggesting a close connection between the ruling party and State entities in the 2023 election project. International observers have condemned Zimbabwe's harmonized elections as rigged and fraudulent.

Analysts interviewed by The Mirror expressed that this incident isn't surprising because State entities appear to be intertwined with Zanu-PF, leading to conflation between the party and the State.

Following reports from the public, Mirror reporters visited the CIO offices adjacent to Gutu Police Station and discovered hundreds of polling agents, as well as some FAZ (Forever Associates Zimbabwe) members from four Gutu constituencies, namely Gutu Central, South, East, and West, gathered there.

Isaac Moyo, the CIO Director General, denied knowledge of the situation when contacted for comment by The Mirror. He responded, "I have no knowledge of it," before ending the call.

One of the agents confirmed to The Mirror, "We received our allowances from these offices a few days after the elections. Today, we were called on short notice and told to sign papers to confirm the receipts because there are allegations that some of us were shortchanged and did not receive the money."

The agents expressed disappointment that they were summoned to the CIO offices but were not provided money for transportation or food.

"Now that the elections are over, these people are starting to abuse us. They called us here, but they are not giving us money for transport or food," voiced another agent.

Opposition parties, particularly the CCC (Citizens' Coalition for Change), have complained that the CIO, through a shadowy organization called Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ), controlled the elections and had taken charge of the Zimbabwe Electoral Authority (ZEC). FAZ has been accused of tampering with the elections in Gutu District, where extensive rigging is being uncovered.

Presiding officers, especially school heads who are members of Teachers4ED, have been implicated in manipulating election figures and harassing CCC agents and candidates at polling stations.

Gift Siziba, CCC deputy spokesperson, asserted that the international community refused to endorse the harmonized elections because they observed the State's close affiliation with Zanu-PF, indicating that the elections were effectively controlled by the ruling party.

Wilfred Mandinde, acting director of the Zimbabwe NGO Forum, emphasized that the State should not be involved in political party activities. He found it shocking that the CIO was conducting financial transactions on behalf of a political party.

"We have seen arms of the State acting like paramilitaries of Zanu-PF. This has to stop," Mandinde declared.

It was reported that Zanu-PF's chief agents received allowances of US$200, roving agents received US$160, and ordinary agents received US$120. Zanu-PF had claimed before the elections that it had millions to spend on the plebiscite.

Gutu District reportedly suffered greatly due to harassment by FAZ operatives, with dozens of opposition supporters being jailed for minor altercations with FAZ. They were only released after paying hefty fines.

Ephraim Murudu, a CCC candidate for Gutu West and a war veteran, was reportedly fined US$300, which had to be paid immediately, for an incident involving a FAZ member.