HARARE – Former Zimbabwean cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere‘s hopes of contesting the 2023 presidential election have been dashed as the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) dismissed his application for direct access to the court.
Kasukuwere, an exiled politician, sought to challenge incumbent president and former ally-turned-foe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, in the upcoming elections on August 23.
Kasukuwere’s nomination had previously been nullified by the High Court, following a challenge by Zanu PF activist Lovedale Mangwana, who claimed that the politician had violated the country’s electoral laws.
Despite an appeal to the Supreme Court, which was also dismissed, Kasukuwere was determined to fight for his candidacy.
However, the ConCourt’s three-panel bench, consisting of Justices Elizabeth Gwaunza, Paddington Garwe, and Rita Makarau, ruled against Kasukuwere’s application, stating that his plea was disguised as an appeal against the Supreme Court’s decision.
Justice Gwaunza noted, “The applicant did not demonstrate that the Supreme Court failed to act in accordance with the law… in light of the foregoing, this court finds the case is an appeal disguised as an application. The application lacks merit and is hereby dismissed with no order as to costs.”
In response to the ruling, Kasukuwere’s spokesperson, Jacqueline Sande, expressed determination to continue the fight, stating, “It’s not over for us.”
“We still have a pending application before the Constitutional Court again, stating that the High Court order is not valid until it is confirmed by the Constitutional Court.
“So, this in essence, is not the end of the game. We are going to fight and ensure that President Saviour Kasukuwere participates as a presidential candidate in the upcoming elections.”
Kasukuwere’s lawyer echoed this sentiment, viewing the dismissal as a minor obstacle and a “hurdle which we are going to overcome.”
The lawyer confirmed their intention to file an urgent appeal at the Supreme Court, considering the approaching elections.
Kasukuwere’s initial removal from the ballot was based on his extended absence from the country, which prompted the argument that he no longer met the criteria of being a registered voter.
While his direct access application to the Constitutional Court has been rejected, the fervour to challenge his disqualification persists in the lead-up to the election.
