MDC’s election petitions

Party Spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora told The Zimbabwean that although only 39 cases had been confirmed to date, the party was pursuing the remaining 56 to ensure that they filed their cases successfully.

“We are in the process of engaging the court authorities regarding the high security fees. We are still trying to mobilise resources to proceed with our appeals,” he said.

Mwonzora revealed that the party was challenging the outcome of the election results for Nyanga North constituency, where Zanu (PF)’s Hubert Magadzire Nyanhongo emerged the winner.

Several MDC- T losing candidates who filed their electoral petitions revealed that they would pursue their cases at the courts ‘until justice prevails’.

Marondera East parliamentary aspirant for the MDC- T, Tracy Mutinhiri, who lost to Zanu (PF)’s Jeremiah Chiwetu said she had successfully paid the $10,000 fee.

“I am optimistic that justice will prevail,” she said.

Ian Makone, who contested for the Goromonzi West national house of assembly seat against rival, Biata Nyamupinga, said he was yet to proceed with his case.

“I have not yet received any communication from my lawyers, but the credibility of the courts is a worry,” he said.

He said the high court fee was an indication that the courts were trying to ensure that few people challenged the poll outcome.

Following the outcome of the 2013 harmonised elections, the MDC filed 95 election petitions with the Electoral Court. A $10,000 deposit is charged by the Registrar of Courts before their petition is heard. According to Section 168 of the Electoral Act, it is mandatory for petitioners to tender security of costs as stipulated by the Electoral Court.