The Supreme Court has dismissed independent presidential candidate Saviour Kasukuwere’s appeal challenging the High Court’s decision to stop him from contesting in the forthcoming general elections.
Shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision to throw him out of the ballot, Kasukuwere announced that he is now considering his next steps.
Posting on Twitter, he said:
“Disappointed, and we are now considering our next steps and will keep the nation informed. God bless.”
The Supreme Court ruling has left only 11 candidates to contest in the August elections.
A three-panel bench comprising Justices Antonia Guvava, Chinembiri Bhunu and Felistus Chatukuta heard arguments on Thursday from both parties before reserving the ruling.
This followed after Kasukuwere had filed a Supreme Court application, challenging the High Court’s decision to nullify the Nomination Court’s decision to accept his papers.
A Zanu-PF PF activist, Lovedale Mangwana had challenged Kasukuwe’s candidature arguing that he ceased to be a registered voter having spent over 18 months outside the country.
He added that Kasukuwere had violated the constitution and the electoral law by filing his name for nomination.
In handling the ruling, High Court judge Justice Chatukuta said
“We carefully considered the evidence and oral submissions by both counsels.
“The court is of the view the appeal lacks merit. The appeal be and is hereby dismissed with no order as to costs.”
