Following a viral video earlier this month, Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe has sparked controversy by allegedly declaring his allegiance to the ruling party, Zanu-PF.
In the video, Sanyatwe can be heard saying, “Zanu PF will rule forever, whether you like it or not… As the Army Commander, I can tell you that we are going to use what is called command voting.
Forward with Zanu PF, forward with Mnangagwa, down with our opponents. I am the highest-ranking officer in the military.”
Advocate Thabani Mpofu has formally written to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), addressing the concerning statements made by General Sanyatwe.
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The letter, directed to Justice Priscilla M. Chigumba, highlights the gravity of the remarks and their implications for the upcoming elections.
In his letter, Mpofu states:
“I am writing to bring to your attention concerning remarks made by General Sanyatwe, the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, about elections in Zimbabwe. I have in my possession videographic evidence of him uttering words to the following effect:
‘Zanu (PF) shall rule until donkeys grow horns, whatever your stated and expressed wishes. I am now speaking as the Commander of the Army. We shall use what is called Command Voting… Do we understand each other?’
In these remarks, General Sanyatwe not only wades into issues beyond his constitutional remit but also asserts his and the army’s preparedness to undermine the vote and not respect its sanctity.
Your Commission’s ability to deliver a credible election has been put in issue by remarks that suggest its complicity in undermining the popular will.
I wonder whether there is any truth to the sting of General Sanyatwe’s assertion. If you consider this assertion false, I kindly request that you publicly refute it with a firm assurance that your commission is not at the army’s beck and call.
If you choose reticence, I kindly request that you account for it, the statement considered. General Sanyatwe’s statement undermines the trust and confidence of the electorate in the electoral process.
This, as you are aware, has been no small issue. A clear and prompt refutation of this assertion will help to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and reassure the public that the Electoral Commission is committed to upholding the sanctity of the vote.
Your attention is drawn to sections 155(1), 156(c)(1), 233, and 239 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013, and to the obligations that have been triggered by this tainted tale.
The failure to call out this constitutional delinquency most indubitably has consequences.
I would appreciate your attention to this grave matter within 7 days.”
The statement on X by Advocate Mpofu also noted that General Sanyatwe would be accorded his full seven days, excluding weekends, to respond to these allegations.
The public awaits the response from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and any subsequent actions that will be taken to address these serious concerns.
