Supreme court throws out Kasukuwere presidential candidacy appeal

Harare (New Ziana)- The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the appeal by independent presidential candidate Saviour Kasukuwere who was challenging a ruling by the High Court barring him from contesting in the August 23 elections.

The apex court ruled that the appeal that the self-exiled former cabinet Minister filed “lacked merit”.

“We carefully considered the evidence and oral submissions by both counsels. Court is of the view that the appeal lacks merit. Appeal be and is hereby dismissed,” read part of the court ruling.

Kasukuwere had approached the apex court to challenge the ban imposed on his candidacy by the High Court which ruled in favour of an application by lawyer Lovedale Mangwana to disqualify him from challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The lawyer for the self- exiled politician, Method Ndlovu told journalists that the legal team would appeal against the ruling.

“I would not say we are out of time in order to protect the best interests of our client. We have received instructions immediately from our client to take up the next week available step in order to make sure that he remains on the ballot paper.

“Surely this decision is going to be filed,” he said.

Zimbabwe is holding presidential, parliamentary and local government elections on August 23 to choose new representatives for the next five years.

Kasukuwere had successfully submitted his nomination papers on June 21 through his election agent, Jacqueline Sande to become one of the 12 presidential candidates that include President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the ruling ZANU (PF), main opposition CCC’s Nelson Chamisa and Elizabeth Valerio of the United Zimbabwe Alliance, (UZA) who is the only female candidate.

The other presidential candidates are Douglas Mwonzora, Trust Chikohora, Lovemore Madhuku, Blessing Kasiyamhuru, Joseph Makamba Busha, Willson Harry and Gwinyai Muzorewa.

The increase in nomination fees to US20 000 saw the number of presidential candidates significantly reducing compared to the 2018 elections when 23 contested.

New Ziana