Chinamasa insists on urgent prosecution to nullify the CCC candidates’ nominations, as their papers were submitted after the designated time, in violation of Section 46 (7) and (8) of the Electoral Act (chapter 2:13).

Chinamasa argues that the affected CCC candidates were not present in the Nomination Court with signed nomination papers and fees by the 4 pm deadline on June 21, which is a requirement by the electoral law.

He firmly maintains that ZEC had no legal authority to hold a nomination court on June 22 to receive and accept nomination papers from the mentioned CCC candidates.

Zanu-PF Drags ZEC to Court Over CCC Favouritism

Chinamasa acknowledged that the late submission by CCC candidates was attributed to the organizational issues of CCC, involving structures, constitutions, and banking accounts.

This development could deal another blow to the opposition party, given Zanu-PF’s already strong electoral position in the upcoming 2023 harmonized elections scheduled for 23 August.

Zanu-PF has already claimed victory in 53 local authority seats uncontested, as opposition parties failed to field candidates in some wards. In Bulawayo, the ruling party was the only one to submit nomination papers for the 10 provincial council seats.