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Supreme court upholds disqualification of Victoria Falls candidate
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The Supreme Court has upheld a High Court decision disqualifying aspiring independent candidate Ephias Mambume from contesting in the Ward 1 by-election for Victoria Falls Municipality. The ruling effectively nullifies the need for a by-election in the ward.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chief Elections Officer Utloile Silaigwana confirmed the development, stating that Mambume's appeal against his disqualification had been dismissed.
"The ruling effectively means that Tonderai Mutasa of ZANU-PF remains the duly elected councillor for the ward, as per the High Court's judgment on November 18, 2024," said Silaigwana.
Reason for Disqualification
Mambume was found ineligible to run due to outstanding debts owed to the local authority, a violation of the electoral requirements. His appeal to overturn the High Court's decision failed, cementing the outcome in favor of Mutasa.
No By-Election in Ward 1
Silaigwana further clarified that the dismissal of Mambume's appeal confirms that the scheduled Ward 1 by-election, initially planned for November 30, 2024, will no longer take place.
Other By-Elections Proceeding
While the Ward 1 by-election has been canceled, Silaigwana noted that by-elections for Ward 38 of Makoni Rural District Council and Ward 10 of Bindura Rural District Council will proceed as planned on November 30.
The Supreme Court ruling brings finality to the Ward 1 contest and underscores the importance of meeting all statutory requirements for candidacy in Zimbabwe's elections.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chief Elections Officer Utloile Silaigwana confirmed the development, stating that Mambume's appeal against his disqualification had been dismissed.
"The ruling effectively means that Tonderai Mutasa of ZANU-PF remains the duly elected councillor for the ward, as per the High Court's judgment on November 18, 2024," said Silaigwana.
Reason for Disqualification
Mambume was found ineligible to run due to outstanding debts owed to the local authority, a violation of the electoral requirements. His appeal to overturn the High Court's decision failed, cementing the outcome in favor of Mutasa.
No By-Election in Ward 1
Silaigwana further clarified that the dismissal of Mambume's appeal confirms that the scheduled Ward 1 by-election, initially planned for November 30, 2024, will no longer take place.
Other By-Elections Proceeding
While the Ward 1 by-election has been canceled, Silaigwana noted that by-elections for Ward 38 of Makoni Rural District Council and Ward 10 of Bindura Rural District Council will proceed as planned on November 30.
The Supreme Court ruling brings finality to the Ward 1 contest and underscores the importance of meeting all statutory requirements for candidacy in Zimbabwe's elections.
Source - the chronicle
