Harare Bureau
Ousted former Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Temba Mliswa, who is standing as an independent candidate in the Hurungwe West by-election, has approached the Electoral Court seeking to force a postponement of next week’s poll citing intimidation against his supporters.

The country is holding by-elections for 16 constituencies, including Hurungwe West, on June 10.

In an application filed at the Electoral Court yesterday, Mliswa cited military intimidation meant to block people from voting for him.

He accused Zanu-PF and the party secretary for administration Cde Ignatius Chombo of enlisting the services of the military to instil fear in the voting population of Hurungwe West.

Mliswa claims that military bases have been set up at all schools in the constituency. “These soldiers are moving around threatening people perceived to be loyal to me with assault and death if they continue supporting me or vote for me on the election day,” he said.

Mliswa, who claims to be in possession of video evidence to prove his claims, stated in his papers that Cde Chombo addressed several campaign meetings in the company of his rival Cde Keith Guzah at which he issued threats against his alleged supporters.

“There’s widespread fear among the voters in Hurungwe West to such an extent that a free and fair election is now impossible,” said Mliswa.

He further stated that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and its chairperson Justice Rita Makarau refused to take corrective measures against the unlawful actions of Zanu-PF, Cde Chombo and Cde Guzah, who are also listed as respondents in the matter.

 

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