Court nullifies independent councillor's election victory

The High Court, convened in Chinhoyi, has overturned the victory of Archibald Muzanenhamo, who was initially declared the winner in Chinhoyi Ward 4 during the harmonized elections on August 23 and 24.

Muzanenhamo, also known as Nyazamba, ran as an independent candidate in protest of the disorderly candidate selection process within the Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) party, of which he was a member. Despite this, he achieved a surprising victory over the incumbent Ward 4 councillor, Ignatius Zvigadza of Zanu-PF, becoming the sole independent councillor in Chinhoyi Municipality.

In an unprecedented move, Zvigadza filed a court challenge, alleging that Muzanenhamo engaged in vote buying and mobilized supporters at his business premises, located within a 300-meter radius from a polling station, in violation of the Electoral Act.

Muzanenhamo, in response, denied the accusations in his opposition papers filed at the High Court, asserting that the announced results accurately reflected the electorate's will and that no irregularities occurred. He refuted the claim of vote buying, stating that he did not canvas for votes on election day within or outside the specified radius.

Regarding the alleged distribution of soft drinks and alcohol at his shop, Muzanenhamo insisted that his grocery store was open for regular business, selling groceries to customers, and that he did not distribute beverages to voters. He challenged Zvigadza to provide names and evidence of individuals whose votes were allegedly bought.

Chinhoyi High Court Judge Philda Muzofa ruled in favor of a fresh poll to select a ward representative, citing evidence of electoral malpractices. Consequently, a by-election is imminent in the swing ward, which historically shifts allegiance between Zanu-PF and the opposition based on the candidates' quality.