Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has denied allegations linking him to a contract for supplying ballot papers in Namibia. He characterized the claims as unfounded, stating he or his company have never participated in relevant tenders. The ECN also confirmed the legitimacy of the contract with Ren-Form, the selected printing company, which faces scrutiny due to previous accusations of inflation in billing during Zimbabwe’s elections. This controversy has led to demands from opposition parties for the ECN to reconsider their selection of Ren-Form.
Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, has publicly refuted claims linking him to a contract for supplying ballot papers to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). In his statements to The Namibian on Sunday, Mr. Chivayo characterized the allegations as disturbing and unfounded. He asserted, “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.” This denial follows a report from Daily Maverick that linked Mr. Chivayo to Ren-Form, the firm designated to print, design, and package the ballot papers for Namibia’s upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for November. This company has faced scrutiny due to allegations of inflated invoices during Zimbabwe’s recent elections in 2023. Mr. Chivayo pointed out that no case has been initiated against him by Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption commission and suggested that the accusations originate from unspecified opposition political factions in Namibia. He emphasized, “I believe that speculation without evidence only serves to mislead.” Additionally, the ECN has denied any wrongdoing in the selection process of Ren-Form, stating that the allegations are false and misleading. In response to the controversy, at least four opposition parties have approached the ECN, demanding the revocation of Ren-Form’s contract to supply ballot papers. Representatives from 18 political parties accompanied the ECN on a visit to Johannesburg to oversee the ballot papers’ production process for the impending elections.
This article discusses the controversy surrounding Wicknell Chivayo, a businessman from Zimbabwe, and his alleged connection to a contract for the supply of ballot papers to the Electoral Commission of Namibia. The Electoral Commission of Namibia is responsible for overseeing the country’s elections, and concerns have arisen regarding the integrity of the companies selected for this purpose. The issue has gained traction due to previous allegations of inflated invoices associated with Ren-Form, the company involved in the ballot paper contract. Chivayo’s response, along with the ECN’s defense of their selection process, highlights the political tensions and scrutiny surrounding upcoming elections in Namibia.
In conclusion, Wicknell Chivayo has vehemently denied any connection to the contract awarded to Ren-Form for supplying ballot papers to the ECN, labeling the accusations as baseless. He has called into question the motives behind these claims, suggesting they are politically motivated. The ECN has similarly defended its selection of Ren-Form amidst growing concerns from opposition parties. This situation reflects the complexities and challenges faced in conducting fair and transparent elections, particularly in the context of political rivalry and scrutiny.
Original Source: allafrica.com
