Zim elections: Presidential hopeful appeals court ruling barring her candidacy

The appeal is against the 21 June decision of the Nomination Court, which rejected Valerio’s nomination for election to the office of the President on the grounds that she did not pay the nomination fees on time.

“I will be attending an appeal hearing in the Electoral Court Division of the High Court in Harare on Friday, 14 July at 10am challenging this decision as a violation of my Constitutional rights,” she said.

“We will be seeking an order directing the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to accept my nomination papers and allow me to contest in the August 23^rd Presidential election.

“Moreso, we believe that this appeal is a crucial step for the advancement of democracy, transparency, and women’s rights in Zimbabwe. We are confident that the High Court will uphold the principles of justice and fairness that are essential for our political system and the participation of women in political leadership.”

In addition, Valerio said they had provided bank stamped proof of her request to initiate a ZWL transfer of funds to the ZEC bank account for the required nomination fees equivalent to US$20 000, prior to the deadline but her nomination papers were still refused.

Meanwhile, another Presidential candidate, Saviour Kasukuwere who is currently in South Africa has had his bid for the Presidential seat short-lived after the High Court nullified his candidacy.

Justice David Mangota barred Kasukuwere from contesting as a Presidential candidate on the basis that he violated sections of the Constitution which stipulate that a candidate must be ordinarily resident in the country for 18 months to qualify to stand as a candidate.

Furthermore, Justice Mangota ruled that Kasukuwere was out of the country for over 18 months and therefore, ceased to be a registered voter and ordered ZEC not to include him on the ballot paper.

However, Kasukuwere has said he will be appealing the High Court ruling that has barred him from contesting in the 23 August Presidential elections.