COMMENT - EISA on it's wikipedia page, lists the National Endowment for Democracy, USAID and the DfID as among it's funders. EISA also list the notorious and CIA interlinked NED on their links page, although it is not clear what their exact relationship is.
ZEC in dodgy deal
Saturday, 05 November 2011 22:36
[Picture: downrangereport] Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has requested assistance from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) in the running of next year’s national elections, in a dodgy partnership analysts fear could influence the poll outcome. Last month, the two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see them “work closely” on voter education.
They also intend to make the office of the chairperson of Zec and that of EISA’s executive director the focal points of the joint operation. Political analysts quickly warned that the involvement of EISA could open the door to the West to interfere with the electoral process.
Zec acting chairperson Mrs Joyce Kazembe, however, maintained the partnership was above board. She said EISA would only provide technical support while ZEC remained in the driver’s seat.
“Yes, we signed the agreement after they approached us, but simply for the purpose of tapping into their experience of handling various facets of elections such as the media and political parties,” she said.
“Let me make it clear that we are driving the process. We went through all the various approval processes, which include consulting with our line ministry, which is the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.
“It is clear we are in charge of the whole process. If anybody thinks that by signing an MoU with us they are in charge, they are day-dreaming. We are an independent body and we will not be influenced by anybody.”
EISA was founded in 1996 to “promote credible elections, participatory democracy and human rights culture”. It also claims to advocate the strengthening of governance institutions for the consolidation of democracy on the continent.
It is the mother body of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (Zesn).
Among the organisation’s main financiers are the Swedish International Development Authority (Sida), the Belgian government, Norwegian Centre for Human Rights and the European Union, all of which have for long been pushing for regime change in Zimbabwe.
According to the MoU, the initial activities under the partnership will be funded by a grant provided to EISA by Sida and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
The implementation of all activities under the MOU will also be subject to further grants provided to EISA by other donors, including Sida and the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
Part of the document, co-signed by Mrs Kazembe and EISA acting executive director Ms Ilona Tip, reads: “Should ZEC secure funds and solicit EISA’s technical assistance in collaborative activities under this MoU, EISA will avail itself based on mutual consultations.
“The MoU enters into effect on the date of signature of this memorandum and concludes on December 31 2012, subject to extension based on mutual agreement between the two parties.”
A political analyst who preferred anonymity said donors pour funds into EISA which, in turn, routes the money to Zesn. The analyst said the West was working to influence the outcome of the impending elections via Zec.
“It is the mandate of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to conduct voter education as provided for by the Constitution. Enlisting the services of EISA, therefore, raises eyebrows,” said the analyst.
“They (EISA) want to appear to be working with ZEC while, in fact, working against the establishment. It would appear they want to effect regime change between now and 2012.”
Zimbabwe is due to hold elections following the expiry of the lifespan of the inclusive Government.
Zanu-PF insists the polls should proceed in line with the stipulations of the country’s Global Political Agreement while the MDC-T appears to be dragging its feet.
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