The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) observed the Nomination Court proceedings for the Mutoko North by-election at the Magistrates’ Court in Marondera.
More than one candidate was duly nominated, hence, the Motoko North by-election will be held on 24 November 2018, in accordance with subsection 17(c) of the section 46 of the Electoral Act (chapter 2:13) as read with the Presidential Proclamation number 7 of 2018. Three political parties will contest the by-election. The candidates are Edson Mugoma of NCA Party, Boniface Mushore of the MDC-Alliance and Rambidzai Nyabote of ZANU-PF party. The right and opportunity to be elected was afforded to the three candidates without any noticeable legal and administrative barriers.
All three candidate submitted their nomination papers on 12 October, the day which the Nomination Court sat, yet the Electoral Law allows them to submit their papers up to five days before the date when the Nomination Court sits. Early submission of nomination papers would be an advantage to electoral contestants as they would have sufficient time to correct any errors or deficiencies that their submission may have.
The environment during which candidates filed their nomination papers was calm and peaceful. ZESN urges the three political parties that are contesting the Mutoko North by-election to campaign peacefully and to fully comply with the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct during the campaign season.
ZESN remains committed to support the promotion of democratic electoral processes that are in line with best practices recognized in regional and International Instruments governing the conduct of democratic elections.
Source: Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
