Mugabe was ordered by the High Court to announce by-election dates in the three constituencies of Nkayi South, Bulilima East and Lupane East by March 31.
This followed an application by three former MDC legislators, Abednico Bhebhe, Njabuliso Mguni and Norman Mpofu who were dismissed from their party in 2009.
However, Mugabe filed two urgent chamber applications seeking an extension of the 31 March deadline to 29 June this year, when harmonised elections will be held saying the move made political and economic sense.
The deputy Attorney General, Advocate Prince Machaya, who was standing in for Mugabe argued that it was no longer feasible to call for by-elections in the three Matabeleland constituencies as general elections were around the corner with Parliament set to be dissolved on 29 June.
However, Advocate Thabani Mpofu, standing for the three legislators argued the lifespan of Parliament can be extended to 29 October hence the by-elections can be held before that period.
Justice Chiweshe said that if Parliament can be extended to 29 October, then it will be feasible for the by-elections to be held. He said that if the lifespan of Parliament cannot extend beyond 29 June, then the by elections will no longer be feasible.
Meanwhile the Zimbabwe National Youth Service has withdrawn its demand for the President to call for a mini-general election in all vacant constituencies around the country.
ZNYS lawyer, Tendai Shomwe said that they had withdrawn their case following the successful holding of the constitutional referendum which he said pointed out that all was now in place for the holding of the harmonised elections hence there was no longer reason for them to continue with their demands.
Post published in: News