Zec rules out early polls

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has dismissed as mere speculation suggestions by Zanu PF that next year's elections could be held earlier than expected.

In an interview yesterday on the side-lines of the signing ceremony of a $1 million donation to the electoral body by the Japanese government, Zec deputy chairperson, Emmanuel Magade said elections could only be held between June and August and not earlier.

Zanu PF has reportedly been pushing for early polls, with the party's secretary for administration, Ignatius Chombo claiming President Robert Mugabe has the sole right to proclaim the dates as he wishes.