Uniformed forces who failed to vote during Special vote, to vote on 31 July

Members of the uniformed forces who failed to vote during the special vote between the 14th and 15th of July will now vote on the 31st of July after the Constitutional Court granted an application by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku granted the application and ordered ZEC to take all necessary steps to ensure that members of the uniformed forces who failed to vote be given an opportunity on the 31st of July.

The Chief Justice said the reasons for granting of the application will be availed later on.

ZEC had argued that 26 160 officers failed to cast their votes due to logistical challenges and it was in the interest of justice to accord them a chance to exercise their constitutional rights.

The MDC-T represented by Mr Selby Hwacha argued that allowing these officers to vote will be in violation of Section 81b of the Electoral Act which provides that those who are entitled to vote under the special vote must not be allowed to vote other than on the special vote day.

Mr Hwacha alleged that there are fears of double voting if these officers are given another chance.

However, ZEC argued that names of those who voted on the 14th and 15th have already been cancelled on the voters roll and there is no way in which those who have voted can vote for the second time.

Mr Hwacha further submitted that ZEC should have applied for the postponement of the harmonised elections scheduled for next Wednesday.

However, the court reminded Mr Hwacha that the issues he raised can only be addressed by the Electoral Court and not the Constitutional Court.