Staff Writer
The Freedom of Rights Under Sovereignty (FORUS) Party has formally petitioned the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for exclusive recognition and protection of its official party colors—blue and white—citing provisions of the Electoral Act that govern political party symbols and identifiers.
In a letter addressed to ZEC Chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba and delivered to the Commission’s headquarters at Mahachi Quantum Building in Harare, FORUS President Manyara Irene Muyenziwa emphasized that the colors are integral to the party’s identity and visibility in Zimbabwe’s political landscape. She argued that the blue and white palette, adopted since the party’s formation in 2021, is not merely aesthetic but emblematic of its values and vision.
“These colors are not chosen lightly; they embody the spirit, vision, and identity of FORUS Party,” Muyenziwa wrote. “They serve as a vital symbol through which our supporters and the wider public can recognize and distinguish us.”
The letter warns that the unregulated use of similar colors by other political entities could lead to confusion among voters, particularly during rallies, campaigns, and on ballot papers. It also raises concerns about the potential for reputational damage if another party using the same colors were to be involved in misconduct or electoral malpractice.
FORUS’s request is anchored in Section 47 of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], which provides for the registration and protection of party symbols, including names, logos, and colors. The section empowers ZEC to prevent duplication or imitation of registered identifiers that could mislead voters or undermine electoral integrity.
The appeal comes as political parties begin early preparations for the 2028 general elections, with many refining their public messaging and visual branding.