Story by Peter Chivhima
THE High Court has reserved judgement in the case in which Labour, Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) party leader Linda Masarira is challenging the decision to deny her an opportunity to contest the August 23 Presidential election based on a banking system technicality.
Masarira approached the High Court seeking redress, arguing that she was a victim of the country’s banking policies.
In her argument, Masarira challenged the decision made by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to oppose her candidature to run for presidency in the 2023 general elections slated for the 23rd of next month.
Masarira also claimed that she wanted to pay the US$20 000 nomination fees using Zimbabwe dollars, but the transaction did not go through due to bank limit issues.
Masarira’s legal representative Mr Andrew Makoni gave an update on what transpired in court this Monday.
“We appeared before Justice Mhuri in chambers this afternoon. The appellant had filed heads of argument and we were ready for the matter, but it was reserved after ZEC requested more time to file their arguments and we were given until 3 pm tomorrow. Linda was also given until Wednesday to file supplementary heads of argument,” he explained.
Masarira believes the delays in resolving the matter are meant to frustrate her.
“I am now getting frustrated and as you know that I have been waiting for long and I am supposed to be on the ground campaigning. The judgement on Elisabeth Valerio ignited hope in me and I am pinning my hope there,” noted Masarira.
If the court rules in her favour, Masarira will become the second female Presidential aspirant after UZA president Elizabeth Valerio won her appeal last week.