Following the ban of by- elections by Vice President Constatino Chiwenga on the 2nd of October, disgruntled voters have taken legal action against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Vice President and ZEC for violating provisions of the Electoral Act.
The Vice President who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care, banned the by- elections so as to curb the spread of the corona virus.
However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reiterated that elections can be held even in the current corona virus environment as long as WHO prescribed safety measures are observed.
In an interview with 263times, the government spokesperson, Mr Nick Mangwana said the case is before the courts of law so all questions we asked would be determined by the court outcome.
“This is a case which is subjudicae . The legal questions you inquire into will be determined by the court.” He said.
Meanwhile, MDC Alliance Spokesperson, Miss Fadzai Mahere said there is no justification for the ban of by- elections by the Vice President.
“We are of the firm view that it is grossly unreasonable to ban by- elections when Covid19 restrictions continue to be eased throughout the country, various electoral activities are taking place such as internal party elections by Zanu PF and extraordinary congresses by other parties. In the circumstances, there is no justification for the ban.” She said.
ZEC’s Chief Elections Officer Mr Utoile Silaigwana said he cannot comment on the issue because it is already in the court.
“I cannot comment because that issue is in the court, i don’t comment on issues that are in court.
Efforts to get a comment from Zanu PF before publication prove abortive as their phones were not available.
In the Statutory Instrument S1 225A of 2020 the VP said the suspension would be hold on to until the pandemic disease has passed.
