By Dylan Munashe Dzenga
The Supreme Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed the appeal made by former Cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere, stating that it lacks merit. Kasukuwere, who is a presidential aspirant, had appealed against a ruling by the High Court that barred him from contesting in the upcoming August 23 Presidential election.
The ruling comes after Zanu PF member Lovedale Mangwana successfully applied at the High Court to have Kasukuwere’s name removed from the list of presidential contestants. Mangwana argued that Kasukuwere’s name could not be on the voters’ roll as he had been absent from the country for a period exceeding 18 months.
Following the High Court ruling, Kasukuwere decided to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court. However, the Supreme Court has now dismissed his appeal, stating that it lacks merit. The reasons for dismissing the appeal will be provided in due course, according to the Supreme Court.
Saviour Kasukuwere, a former Local Government minister, has been in self-imposed exile for some time. His attempt to contest in the presidential election has faced legal challenges, with the High Court ruling against him and now the Supreme Court upholding that decision.
The dismissal of Kasukuwere’s appeal raises questions about his eligibility to participate in the upcoming presidential election. As the ruling party member, Lovedale Mangwana, successfully argued, Kasukuwere’s absence from the country for an extended period disqualifies him from being on the voters’ roll.
The Supreme Court’s decision will have significant implications for the upcoming election, as it clarifies the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates. It reaffirms the importance of meeting the requirements outlined in the law to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
As the election draws near, political parties and candidates will need to carefully consider the legal aspects of their participation. The dismissal of Kasukuwere’s appeal serves as a reminder that adherence to the law is crucial in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
The Supreme Court’s ruling provides clarity on the eligibility of presidential aspirants and highlights the significance of abiding by the country’s electoral laws. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the political landscape in the run-up to the August 23 Presidential election.