Zimbabwean activists in South Africa are urging Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema to prevent the South African printing company Ren-Form from supplying election materials for Zambia’s upcoming by-elections. This appeal comes after Ren-Form secured a $14 million contract for printing ballot papers, a deal activists claim is marred by previous controversies.
Ren-Form is linked to Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who had previously won a $40 million contract with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to provide election materials for the 2023 general elections. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that some invoices were inflated by as much as 235%, along with claims of corrupt practices involving Chivayo and ZEC officials. Activists allege that the company colluded with “extortionists and conmen” to inflate prices for goods and services, some of which were allegedly never delivered. This case is currently pending in Zimbabwe’s High Court after being halted by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
In their letter to President Hichilema, the activists expressed concerns regarding security and transparency related to Zambia’s decision to contract Ren-Form. They pointed out that Ren-Form had previously printed ballot papers and provided electronic servers without informing opposition parties. Furthermore, they allege that members of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party smuggled election materials into Zimbabwe, undermining the electoral process’s integrity.
Activists recently held a protest at Ren-Form’s offices in South Africa and submitted a formal letter of demands, which they claim has gone unanswered. They warn that contracting Ren-Form for election materials could destabilize the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. They noted that there have been protests against Ren-Form’s involvement in elections in Namibia and expressed concerns from South Africans regarding the company’s influence.
Ren-Form has recently expanded its operations in election logistics, obtaining contracts in Sierra Leone, Madagascar, and Namibia, while also providing services in countries such as South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Uganda, and Nigeria. The company’s contract to print Namibia’s ballot papers for upcoming elections has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that Ren-Form is too closely tied to influential political figures.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia announced the contract award on October 28, with an objection period set to close on November 1. Activists are hopeful that the Zambian government will reconsider this contract, especially with President Mnangagwa currently chairing the SADC, raising important questions about electoral transparency and stability in the region.
As of last night, there has been no response from the Zambian government regarding the activists’ letter.
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