By Wezhira Munya
The High Court of Zimbabwe has barred 12 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) parliamentary candidates in Bulawayo from participating in the 23rd August 2023 harmonized elections.
Justice Bongani Ndlovu ruled that the 12 CCC candidates filed their nomination papers after the 4 PM deadline.
The judgment was handed down by Justice Nokuthula Moyo on behalf of Justice Ndlovu.
CCC party spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, commented on her Twitter, “We have received a report that our CCC candidates in Bulawayo have been barred from contesting. Details to follow.”
In addition, Advocate Mahere said, “The CCC will appeal against the Byo Judgment. Citizens have the right to nominate candidates within the ambit of the law & to be represented by MPs they choose in a free & fair election. The right to parliamentary representation of choice is sacred. #ForEveryone.”
Supporting the above views, Advocate Thabani Mpofu, one of the leading lawyers representing CCC members, said, “We have taken note of the judgment of the HC barring the CCC candidates from participating in the elections. We respectfully disagree with it and will be taking the necessary legal steps to ensure that elections are held. Candidates must continue with their work undeterred.”
Supporting CCC’s appeal against this judgment, another lawyer who refused to be named for fear of victimization said, “This is an unfair judgment against CCC candidates. I hope CCC will appeal this decision.”
It is the hope of citizens that the upper court will nullify Justice Ndlovu’s judgment against CCC candidates.
One political analyst, Dr. Tarisayi, commented that today’s judgment barring 12 CCC members is a political decision pushed by Zanu PF in order to win 12 Bulawayo Metropolitan parliamentary seats uncontested.
Zanu PF members such as Mtuli Ncube knew that they would be defeated by CCC, so they influenced the courts to bar CCC members, said Mr. Mapope.
Bulawayo Metropolitan has been an opposition stronghold, and Zanu PF intends to win through the back door.
