Mangwana says ruling proof courts are not ‘captured’ as Supreme Court clears CCC’s Byo 12 to contest elections

By Staff Reporter

THE Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside a High Court ruling barring 12 opposition CCC parliamentary candidates from contesting the August 23 general elections.

The 12 – all from constituencies in Bulawayo – appealed to the top court after the High Court upheld contentions by Zanu PF rivals that they should be disqualified for allegedly filling their nominations after the deadline.

Justice Tendai Uchena said the three-panel bench hearing the matter reached a unanimous to set the High Court ruling aside, adding that reasons would be published at a later date.

Commenting on Twitter, Information Ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana said the court ruling showed that, contrary to opposition allegations, the country’s judiciary is “professional” and “impartial”.

We have a very professional and impartial Judiciary. We unfortunately also have those who believe they should never lose a case, even if the case is a dud. When they lose they scream “captured”. Same for elections. We have those who always scream, “rigged” when they lose. You… pic.twitter.com/sPv40euacQ

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) August 3, 2023

For its part, CCC said; “Our 12 Bulawayo MPs are back on the ballot box.

“This was a desperate attempt by Zanu PF to smuggle their unelectable members into parliament. Bulawayo is an integral part of the election process and cannot be ignored.”

Party spokesperson Fadzai Mahere said the electorate should now speak decisively on voting day.

📹 Relieved by the Supreme Court judgement, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere says Zimbabweans must now "speak decisively" in general elections on August 23 pic.twitter.com/8WNrpBvfTU

— ZimLive (@zimlive) August 3, 2023