Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, has denied any links to a contract for ballot paper supply to Namibia, deeming the allegations baseless. He claims no connection to the contractor Ren-Form, which will provide materials for Namibia’s upcoming elections. The ECN has also dismissed the claims as misleading, although opposition groups are raising concerns.
Wicknell Chivayo, a businessman from Zimbabwe, has firmly rejected any allegations linking him to a contract for the provision of ballot papers to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). In a statement to The Namibian, Chivayo described the claims as “disturbing and baseless.” He clarified that neither himself nor his company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, has ever engaged in any tender process associated with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) or collaborated with Ren-Form concerning the procurement of election-related materials or equipment. This response follows reports from Daily Maverick which implicated Chivayo in association with Ren-Form, the firm responsible for the printing, design, and packaging of ballot papers for Namibia’s upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections in November. Notably, there have been media suggestions that Ren-Form was involved in inflated invoicing during the elections in Zimbabwe in 2023. Chivayo reiterated his lack of involvement with respect to any allegations, asserting that the Zimbabwe anti-corruption commission has not pursued any cases against him. He voiced concerns that these accusations appear to be politically motivated, allegedly stemming from “some small opposition political party in Namibia.” Chivayo contended, “Speculation without evidence only serves to mislead.” Supporting Chivayo’s position, the ECN has also dismissed the allegations as false and misleading. Nevertheless, four opposition parties in Namibia have formally requested the ECN to reconsider its choice of Ren-Form for the supply of ballot papers. In a show of solidarity, representatives from 18 political parties accompanied the ECN to Johannesburg to observe the procedures concerning the production of the ballot papers for the forthcoming elections.
The backdrop of this story involves the broader context of the electoral process in Namibia, where the integrity of the election-related procurement has come under scrutiny. The allegations against Chivayo stem from concerns about potential corruption and financial irregularities that have plagued recent elections in the region, specifically in Zimbabwe. This scrutiny is heightened by the political rivalry in Namibia, where opposition parties are vigilant in evaluating contracts related to electoral processes. Ren-Form’s selection to produce ballot papers has become a contentious issue amid claims of inflated invoicing and potential corruption, raising concerns about transparency and integrity in election preparations.
In conclusion, Wicknell Chivayo has strongly denied any involvement in a contract for ballot paper supply to Namibia’s Electoral Commission, characterizing the allegations as unfounded. The ECN has similarly refuted claims regarding any impropriety concerning Ren-Form’s selection. As various political parties voice their concerns and request further investigation, this situation underscores the critical need for transparency and integrity in electoral processes in the region. Overall, the discourse surrounding these allegations reflects deeper issues of trust and governance in the context of elections.
Original Source: allafrica.com
