Court orders fresh MDC-T poll

A High Court judge has ordered the MDC -T party to hold fresh elections for the Bulawayo provincial chairperson post, declaring that Gift Banda was unlawfully elected as he was an illegible candidate, according to the party's constitution.

Justin Martin Makonese granted the order after Matson Hlalo, the losing candidate, approached the court arguing that the party leadership's acceptance of Banda's nomination to the post was irregular.

In the application, Hlalo cited the presiding officer and chairperson of the national organising committee, the MDC -T party, national chairperson Lovemore Moyo and Banda, who is Bulawayo deputy mayor, as respondents.

Hlalo alleged that the voting exercise that was marred by violence denied the legitimately chosen members the right to vote.