Executive Summary
With a less than a month to go before the harmonised elections pencilled for 23 August 2023, July and part of August has been characterized by an unprecedented plethora of Court challenges ranging from Nomination disputes, eligibility to contest the elections, fielding of double and triple candidates. The effect of these electoral disputes forced the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to delay printing of the ballot papers.
While, the Supreme Court made a determination to uphold the High Court ruling on nullification of self-exiled former ZANU-PF Minister, Saviour Kasukuwere to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections; a fresh Constitutional Court lawsuit was filed by Kasukuwere’s campaign chairperson, Jim Kunaka challenging the High Court’s decision.
All political parties are conducting door-to-door campaigns, social media promotions, star rallies, political gatherings, distributing posters and flyers as well as promotional campaign materials in the form of T-shirts, wrappers, and caps among others. Campaigns are in full swing as political parties prepare for 23 August harmonised elections where the incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa, the main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, the only female candidate Elisabeth Valerio and other nine contestants will contest in the presidential race. Incumbent Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) President Emmerson Mnangagwa hopes to secure a second term in office, while Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Nelson Chamisa and nine others aspire to clinch the title of Zimbabwe’s Head of State and Government.
