Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean businessman, has denied allegations of any association with a contract for supplying ballot papers to Namibia’s ECN. He referred to the claims as baseless and emphasized that neither he nor his company has been involved in any relevant tenders. The ECN has defended its selection of Ren-Form for the contract, although it faces criticism from opposition parties regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, has publicly refuted allegations linking him to a contract for supplying ballot papers to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). In an interview with The Namibian on Sunday, Chivayo described the claims as both troubling and unfounded. He stated, “For the record, neither I nor my company Intratrek Zimbabwe or any other have ever participated in any tender involving ZEC [the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission], nor have we been involved with Ren-Form in any contracts related to the procurement of election-related material or equipment.” These statements follow a report from Daily Maverick that suggested a connection between Chivayo and Ren-Form, the firm contracted to print and prepare ballot papers for Namibia’s forthcoming presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for November. The report also indicated concerns regarding inflated invoices associated with Ren-Form’s performance during recent elections in Zimbabwe. Chivayo emphasized that no allegations have been brought forth against him by Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption commission, asserting that these accusations stem from a “small opposition political party in Namibia,” and he criticized unwarranted speculation as misleading. In response to the situation, the ECN has asserted that the process of selecting the company was conducted appropriately, labeling the allegations as false and misleading. However, at least four opposition parties have submitted formal requests to the ECN, seeking the revocation of Ren-Form’s appointment to supply the necessary ballot papers. On a proactive note, representatives from 18 political parties accompanied the ECN to Johannesburg on Sunday to observe the production process of the ballot papers intended for the elections.
This article addresses the controversy surrounding Wicknell Chivayo, a businessman from Zimbabwe, and his alleged involvement in the supply of ballot papers for the upcoming elections in Namibia. The accusations suggest a potential conflict of interest or corrupt practices, particularly in light of past issues involving Ren-Form during Zimbabwe’s electoral processes. The ECN’s selection of Ren-Form, amidst scrutiny from various political factions, highlights the complexities and tensions within Namibia’s electoral framework, especially regarding transparency and accountability in political practices.
In conclusion, Wicknell Chivayo has categorically denied any involvement with the ECN’s contract for ballot papers, labeling the accusations as baseless. The ECN maintains that its decision to appoint Ren-Form is sound and free of impropriety, despite opposition from several political entities. This situation underscores ongoing discussions about electoral integrity and the influence of political dynamics in Namibia.
Original Source: allafrica.com
