High Court Dismisses Opposition Leader's Appeal, Excludes Her from Presidential Race

As a consequence, she will not be participating in the scheduled August 23, 2023, elections.

HARARE, ZIMBABWE - Opposition LEAD president Linda Masarira's bid to contest in the upcoming presidential elections has been thwarted by the High Court of Harare, writes Shorai Murwira.

The court unanimously declared that Masarira's appeal lacked merit, resulting in its dismissal and the imposition of costs.

As a consequence, she will not be participating in the scheduled August 23, 2023, elections.

Masarira's appeal came in response to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's decision to bar her from running for the presidency due to her failure to pay the required nomination fees on time.

Despite her financial constraints, Masarira maintained that she should not be limited in her right to participate in the political race.

Expressing disappointment, Masarira stated, "I am down and sad; I feel like I have a right to contest without being limited by my financial status. The way forward will be determined after reading the full judgement."

The court's ruling has effectively excluded Masarira from the presidential race, leaving her and her supporters to explore alternative options moving forward.

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