The People's Unity Party (PUP) has expressed disappointment at the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) for their choice of appointing opposition party leaders within their leadership structure.Speaking from his South African base, PUP leader Herbert Chamuka said while PUP acknowledges the importance of electoral reforms in Zimbabwe, they maintain reservations about certain appointments made by NERA."One of the appointments that raised eyebrows was that of Linda Masarira, leader of the LEAD party, who was placed in the legal department of NERA. "Additionally, Douglas Mwonzora, a prominent figure within the opposition, was appointed to handle communications," Chamuka said.These decisions have raised concerns among the PUP, as they believe that these appointments have compromised the credibility of NERA as an independent platform for electoral reform.Although PUP was invited to attend the meeting where these decisions were made, their leader Herbert Chamuka, was unable to attend and instead sent representatives.Regrettably, the party's representatives signed certain documents that aligned them as stakeholders with NERA, contrary to their original intentions."As PUP we offer our sincere apologies to Zimbabweans for this unintended affiliation and that we are not actively endorsing or supporting NERA," he said."It should be highlighted that Zanu-PF and CCC were also invited to the meeting, but they chose not to attend. This nonattendance by the ruling party and CCC speaks volumes about their own concerns regarding the intentions and actions of NERA," Chamuka said.PUP believes that this absence demonstrates a shared sentiment that NERA may not be pursuing initiatives that are in the best interest of Zimbabwe.PUP made it clear that their current focus and priority lies in advocating for the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU).They extend an open invitation to NERA to join forces if they too see the value in this proposition."PUP believes that collaboration and unity across party lines are vital in achieving lasting change for the benefit of all Zimbabweans," he added.
