Journalists’ union elections were a fraud – Mangudya

Published: December 20, 2009

Harare(ZimEye)The losing candidate in the recent Zimbabwe Union of Journalists elections, Godwin Mangudya who filed an urgent High Court application to reverse the results of the election has said that the election was a fraud.

Mangudya told ZimEye that the election was out of order as he was not notified of the venue as per procedure, although his name appeared on ballot papers and was called out several times during the votes.

The elective meeting was held at How Mine in Matabeleland South, a development that irked many ordinary members who wanted to participate even if they would not vote.

The voting saw state media journalists Dumisani Sibanda, Michael Padera, Mercy Pote and Evince Mugumbate scoop all three presidential portfolios and the treasury.

On Friday night, more than 50 private media journalists and foreign correspondents congregated at the press club known as the Quill to discuss how they could wrest power away from state control. Only the powerful post of secretary-general is still held by an independent journalist, Foster Dongozi.

Mangudya, along with other contenders, including Frank Chikowore (pictured) and Conrad Mwanawashe vowed to clear the whole executive from office before fresh elections could be held at a central venue where all members can attend and debate critical issues.

On Friday journalists demanded an extraordinary general meeting where the constitution would be amended to allow all members to vote. At present only branch chairpersons and secretaries are allowed the vote on behalf of members. Some complain this system is unfair as branch members could never agree on a single candidate.

Mangudya, who is represented by top human rights lawyer Harrison Nkomo, is requesting a January hearing, arguing that the matter is urgent as the office holders would have to attend the International Union of Journalists congress in March.

Journalists on Friday complained that some state and Zanu PF officials, including information secretary George Charamba were keen to take over ZUJ and destroy it. The union has so far done a lot to protect journalists targetted by the state, especially by providing legal representation for those who are fired or harassed for political reasons.

Senior journalist and editor Barnabas Thondlana warned that the journalists risked losing sight of the union’s welfare agenda as they got embroiled in power struggles which could only benefit Zanu PF. (ZimEye, Zimbabwe)

Comments are closed.

Journalists’ union elections were a fraud – Mangudya

Related Posts:

ZimEye Latest