Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean businessman, has denied any connection to a contract for the supply of ballot papers to Namibia’s Electoral Commission (ECN). He described the allegations as false and baseless, asserting that he has never engaged in related tenders. The ECN corroborates this stance, while at least four opposition parties have urged for the reconsideration of the selected vendor Ren-Form, who has previously been linked to inflated invoicing in Zimbabwean elections.
Wicknell Chivayo, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, has refuted claims linking him to a contract for supplying ballot papers to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN). In a statement provided to The Namibian, Chivayo expressed concern over the allegations, describing them as unfounded and troubling. 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 arise in light of a report from Daily Maverick, which associated Chivayo with Ren-Form, the designated vendor for producing Namibia’s ballot papers for the upcoming presidential and National Assembly elections in November. Chivayo further noted that there have been allegations of inflated invoices tied to Ren-Form during Zimbabwe’s elections held in 2023. Additionally, Chivayo pointed out that he has not been targeted by the Zimbabwe anti-corruption commission. He speculated that the negative claims against him stem from a “small opposition political party in Namibia,” asserting, “I believe that speculation without evidence only serves to mislead.” The ECN has dismissed the allegations against Chivayo and the procurement process as baseless and misleading. They confirmed that there were no irregularities concerning the selection of Ren-Form. However, at least four opposition parties have formally requested that the ECN reconsider its choice of vendor for the ballot papers, citing concerns over the integrity of the selection process. On a related note, representatives from eighteen political parties accompanied ECN officials to Johannesburg to observe the production of the ballot papers in question.
The controversy surrounding the supply of ballot papers in Namibia has garnered significant attention, especially given the history of allegations related to inflated billing in the context of Zimbabwean elections. Wicknell Chivayo, who has a controversial reputation, found himself at the center of these accusations despite not having any formal connections to the contract awarded to Ren-Form. The political dynamics in Namibia further complicate the situation as different political factions respond to the ECN’s decision, reflecting broader tensions within the electoral landscape.
In summary, Wicknell Chivayo’s emphatic denial of any connection to the contract for ballot papers in Namibia highlights the ongoing concerns regarding electoral integrity and transparency. While he claims the allegations are unfounded and politically motivated, the ECN stands by its decision to select Ren-Form, despite opposition from various political parties. This situation underscores the complexities involved in electoral processes, especially in contexts marked by previous accusations of corruption and inflation in pricing.
Original Source: allafrica.com
