Mugabe's by-election dates unlawful

The election resource centre a poll think-tank and watchdog yesterday said the recent proclamation of by-election dates for Mt Darwin West and Chirumanzu Zibagwe by President Robert Mugabe was premature and ill-advised as there was need to first align the Election Act with the supreme law of the land.

Mugabe on Monday announced March 27 as the date for by-elections in Chirumanzu Zibagwe and Mt Darwin West constituencies, which fell vacant following the elevation of Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa and recall of former Vice President Joice Mujuru.

The expectation is not that the law is changed today and polls are conducted tomorrow.

Changes to laws on their own will not make the conduct of elections acceptable.