By Takudzwa Josiah
Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister and women Presidential aspirants find themselves in a disagreement regarding the nomination fee for the upcoming 2023 Presidential election, which is set at US$20,000.
The issue was raised during the nomination court proceedings held at the High Court of Zimbabwe in Harare today.
Linda Masarira, the first woman Presidential aspirant to file her nomination papers, expressed her concern as she still needed to secure ZW$28 million more to complete the required nomination fee for her candidacy.
Despite the financial challenge, she remained optimistic about obtaining the necessary funds.
Masarira argued that the fee is unconstitutional as it creates a discriminatory barrier for those who are not financially well-off, citing that some working-class citizens may struggle to gather the required amount.
However, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi holds a different view on the matter, asserting that women in the country have been afforded the opportunity to contest for political offices of their choice.
He defended the nomination fee of US$20,000, stating that it is in place to ensure that only serious and capable individuals participate in the presidential race.
According to the Minister, aspiring candidates should not use a “lack of resources” as an excuse when vying for the highest office in the country.
The disagreement over the nomination fee comes as Zimbabwe prepares for the Harmonized elections scheduled for August 23rd this year.
Aspiring candidates seeking a seat in the National Assembly are required to pay a fee of US$1,000, while those aspiring for the Senate must contribute US$200.