The ruling Zanu-PF party has challenged the nomination of 15 CCC candidates in Bulawayo, arguing that they failed to submit their nomination papers on time.
According to Zanu-PF Treasurer-General Patrick Chinamasa, the 15 candidates missed the 4pm deadline on June 21 to submit their nomination papers and pay nomination fees at the Nomination Court in Bulawayo. However, ZEC extended the sitting of the Nomination Court into the following day to allow the 15 candidates to submit their papers.
Chinamasa argued that this was illegal and contravened Section 46(7) and (8) of the Electoral Act. He said ZEC had no legal right to accept nomination papers from candidates who were not present by the 4pm deadline.
Chinamasa blamed organizational problems within CCC for the failure of the 15 candidates to submit their nomination papers on time. He said Zanu-PF has directed that litigation be instituted urgently to nullify the nomination of the 15 candidates.
The affected CCC candidates are Surrender Kapoikulu of Bulawayo Central constituency, Minenhle Ntandoyenkosi Gumede of Bulawayo North, Nicola Jane Watson of Bulawayo South, Pashor Raphel Sibanda of Cowdray Park, Collins Descent Bajila of Emakhandeni-Luveve, Dingilizwe Tshuma of Entumbane-Njube, Prince Dube of Entumbane-Njube, Dereck Gono of Lobengula-Magwegwe, Desmond Makaza of Mpopoma-Mzilikazi, Obert Manduna of Nketa, Desire Moyo of Nkulumane, Sineni Moyo of Pelandaba-Tshabalala, Gift Ostallos Siziba of Pelandaba-Tshabalala, Sichelesile Mahlangu of Pumula and Albert Mhlanga of Pumula.
They were only able to submit their nomination papers and pay their fees on June 22 after ZEC extended the sitting of the Nomination Court.
