Chombo puts back Harare poll to 2007

Chombo puts back Harare poll to 2007

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By Staff Reporter

THE Zimbabwe government has frozen mayoral elections for Harare and Chegutu cities that should have been held this year and next March respectively, in a move its critics say is designed to prolong its stranglehold on the two councils.

Local government minister, Ignatius Chombo said Wednesday the Harare poll would be held in 2007, but did not set a date for the Chugutu poll saying that was the preserve of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

The minister said the delay in the Zimbabwe capital city’s elections was meant to allow the commission running the affairs of the city to complete its “turnaround programme”.

The commission is headed by political turncoat, Sekesai Makwavarara, a former MDC Mabvuku councilor and Harare deputy mayor who defected to the ruling party last year.

Chegutu mayor Francis Dhlakama, who came into office on an MDC ticket in 2001 said his tenure expired on December 10, but was surprised that no election date has been set so far.

He however said he was still turning up for work on the strength of an Urban Councils Act clause that says he relinquishes his post when a new mayor assumes office. Dhlakama, however added that he was uncomfortable to be in office without the “people’s mandate.”

The Chugutu Residents Association said Wednesday that residents were afraid that Dhlakama, a lone figure in a Zanu PF dominated council, may be booted out soon following the expiry of his term, with the ruling party councilors left with a free reign.

Recently, Chombo reinstated the nine ruling party councilors, after serving more than a year on suspension for corruption allegations that were unearthed by an audit team he appointed as well as the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government.

The Minister said the councilors, who were accused of siphoning council funds among others allegations were reinstated after police failed to bring charges against them within the stipulated period.
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