The Election Resource Centre joins the High Court of Zimbabwe, Judicial Services Commission and the legal fraternity in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the Phiri family, following the passing of High Court Judge, Justice Clement Phiri.
Justice Phiri leaves a legacy where his jurisprudence worked towards achieving free, fair and credible elections in Zimbabwe. Justice Phiri was instrumental in attempting to curb the partisan conduct of traditional leaders in elections. In a 2018 High Court judgement, Justice Phiri held that the conduct of the National Council of Chiefs President Chief Fortune Charumbira and traditional leaders in general in participating in partisan politics was unconstitutional. Participating in partisan politics has always been a scourge that impairs the freeness and fairness of the electoral environment in Zimbabwe and beyond where such structures exist.
Unfortunately, the efforts by the now late Justice Phiri towards achieving a level playing field that promotes a free and fair election in Zimbabwe continue to be frustrated as Chief Fortune Charumbira, the National Council of Chiefs and the Minister of Local Government ignore the High Court order.
May His Soul Rest In Peace.
Source: Election Resource Centre
