MDC loses results challenge

HARARE - Zimbabwe's top court ruled on an opposition bid to have presidential election results thrown out over alleged rigging in favour of Robert Mugabe's successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba arrives at Harare courthouse. The Constitutional Court said it would hand down its verdict after considering arguments put before judges on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba arrives at Harare courthouse. The Constitutional Court said it would hand down its verdict after considering arguments put before judges on Wednesday.

AFP

 

The Constitutional Court in Harare said that the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) opposition lost its results challenge

Lawyers for the MDC argued that the results should be annulled due to “massive doctoring” of the July 30 vote.

Mnangagwa, of the ruling ZANU-PF party, won the election with 50.8 percent of the vote — just enough to meet the 50 percent threshold needed to avoid a run-off against MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, who scored 44.3 percent.

Nine judges, led by Chief Justice Luke Malaba, are hearing the case in Harare, amid tight security.

But in a first for the country, the proceedings have been broadcast live on state television.

The court could declare a winner, call another election, or order a run-off or recount.

The inauguration should take place within 48 hours of the court’s ruling, according to the constitution.

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