Zimbabwe’s main opposition party Citizen Coalition For Change (CCC) supporters stand outside Bindura Civil Court in Bindura
Opposition International Statement: If the Official Opposition fails to receive due process in national judiciary, then it has a constitutional obligation to seek guiding rulings either in a relevant jurisdiction (such as a sovereign bond holder) or international court.
We are asking interested lawyers and legal scholars to help flesh out the arguments and guide next steps. The Zimbabwe case is just one of similar actions by inexperienced judiciaries in many countries without a deep democratic jurisprudence.
BINDURA, Zimbabwe (Reuters) – A Zimbabwean court on Sunday upheld a ban on the planned campaign launch by main opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the third of its rallies to be banned as its leader Nelson Chamisa face hurdles on his campaign trail.
CCC was scheduled to hold its campaign launch on Sunday in Bindura, about 100 km (62 miles) north of the capital Harare, but police banned the gathering citing problems with the venue.
CCC lawyers filed an urgent application at the High Court on Friday challenging the police decision, but a judge on Sunday referred the matter back to the lower court. Bindura Magistrate Mary Musika then upheld the ban, saying CCC had failed to notify the police on time.
CCC lawyer Agency Gumbo said: “The ruling showed there is an uneven playing ground in this election. It shows that the democratic space has been eroded. We are getting into a match with both legs tied so you cannot score.”
Zimbabwe Opposition Eyes Election Victory Despite Fears of Rigging
- Chamisa says manipulation of results won’t be allowed to stand
- CCC would reform currency regime, tackle graft, trim cabinet