by Staff reporter

The Masvingo Electoral Court last week dismissed with costs an appeal lodged by losing MDC Alliance candidate for Mutasa North constituency, Mr.  David Chimhini, who was demanding a recount of ballot papers for seven polling stations in the constituency.

Chimhini who was represented by Passmore Nyakureba of Maunga, Maanda and Associates Legal Practitioners lodged the appeal on 7 August rejecting the results in which he lost to ZANU PF candidate, Chido Mudiwa who polled a total of 11913 votes while the former garnered 11635 votes. Mudiwa was represented by Misheck Mugadza of the Mugadza and Chidzambwa Legal Practitioners.

During the court proceedings the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) indicated that it had deployed competent personnel to execute the electoral process hence there was no need for the recount of the ballot papers.

ZEC also highlighted that the appended signatures on the V11 forms by Chimhini’s agents was enough evidence that both parties agreed the electoral process was free and fair. The electoral body also noted that there was no complain registered regarding the conduct of the election process made during and immediately after election.  Chimhini failed to present evidence of the alleged electoral fraud.

Masvingo High Court judge, Justice Garainesu Mawadze presided over the case.