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ConCourt blocks live broadcast of CAB 3 challenge hearing
2 hrs ago |
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Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe has rejected an application by a private media outlet seeking permission to live-stream proceedings in a high-profile legal challenge against proposed constitutional amendments linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza dismissed the application filed by Sources Media Network on Tuesday, ruling that "no sufficient basis has been demonstrated" to justify live coverage inside the courtroom.
The decision comes shortly before the Constitutional Court is scheduled to hear a challenge to Constitutional Amendment Bill (CAB) 3 brought by war veterans and former opposition legislator Prince Dubeko Sibanda and others.
The proposed constitutional amendments could significantly reshape Zimbabwe's political system if approved.
Among the proposed changes, CAB 3 seeks to extend President Mnangagwa's current term by two years to 2030 and transfer presidential election powers from direct public voting to Parliament.
One of the applicants challenging the amendments, Reuben Zulu, argues that the amendment process is unconstitutional because Mnangagwa stands to benefit directly from the proposed changes, creating what he describes as a clear conflict of interest.
During proceedings, State lawyer Sylvester Hashiti opposed the live-streaming request, arguing that permission for courtroom broadcasts should only be extended to the State broadcaster, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
Hashiti further argued that private media houses could potentially have "ulterior motives" and stated that Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza required a formal application before any approval could be considered.
Representing Sources Media Network, lawyer Chris Mhike accused the State of discriminatory treatment against private media organisations.
Mhike argued that all media institutions enjoy equal constitutional rights and noted that ZBC had previously live-streamed the 2018 presidential election challenge filed by Nelson Chamisa without being required to make a formal application.
He argued that suggesting ZBC held superior rights over private media "defeats the tenets of democracy."
However, due to the late release of the ruling near the close of business, Sources Media Network's legal team reportedly did not have sufficient time to submit a formal application before the hearing.
The Constitutional Court hearing on CAB 3, which carries major political implications for Zimbabwe's governance and electoral system, will now proceed on Wednesday without a live broadcast.
Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza dismissed the application filed by Sources Media Network on Tuesday, ruling that "no sufficient basis has been demonstrated" to justify live coverage inside the courtroom.
The decision comes shortly before the Constitutional Court is scheduled to hear a challenge to Constitutional Amendment Bill (CAB) 3 brought by war veterans and former opposition legislator Prince Dubeko Sibanda and others.
The proposed constitutional amendments could significantly reshape Zimbabwe's political system if approved.
Among the proposed changes, CAB 3 seeks to extend President Mnangagwa's current term by two years to 2030 and transfer presidential election powers from direct public voting to Parliament.
One of the applicants challenging the amendments, Reuben Zulu, argues that the amendment process is unconstitutional because Mnangagwa stands to benefit directly from the proposed changes, creating what he describes as a clear conflict of interest.
During proceedings, State lawyer Sylvester Hashiti opposed the live-streaming request, arguing that permission for courtroom broadcasts should only be extended to the State broadcaster, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
Hashiti further argued that private media houses could potentially have "ulterior motives" and stated that Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza required a formal application before any approval could be considered.
Representing Sources Media Network, lawyer Chris Mhike accused the State of discriminatory treatment against private media organisations.
Mhike argued that all media institutions enjoy equal constitutional rights and noted that ZBC had previously live-streamed the 2018 presidential election challenge filed by Nelson Chamisa without being required to make a formal application.
He argued that suggesting ZBC held superior rights over private media "defeats the tenets of democracy."
However, due to the late release of the ruling near the close of business, Sources Media Network's legal team reportedly did not have sufficient time to submit a formal application before the hearing.
The Constitutional Court hearing on CAB 3, which carries major political implications for Zimbabwe's governance and electoral system, will now proceed on Wednesday without a live broadcast.
Source - newsday
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