Justice Priscilla Chigumba was sworn in as the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission today. Justice Chigumba takes over the management of the elections body from Supreme Court judge, Justice Rita Makarau who quit the position in December. She was sworn in by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Justice Chigumba emphasized that her mandate was to uphold the Constitution and follow the law. Said Chigumba
In terms of the constitution, we are mandated to hold an election this year before June.
My mandate is to follow the law as it is. I will execute my mandate in a manner that will deliver free, fair and credible elections, in line with what the head of state has promised the world.
Her predecessor, Justice Makarau did not give reasons for stepping down, although some have claimed that her situation had become untenable due to her alleged close relationship to former president Robert Mugabe.
Image Credit: ZBC News