by Bevan Musoko

Losing MDC Alliance Kwekwe Central constituency candidate, Blessing Chebundo has lodged a High Court challenge against the victory of National Patriotic Front (NPF) candidate in the constituency, Masango Matambanadzo, citing bribery and vote-buying.

Chebundo filed the challenge at the Bulawayo High Court through a petition dated 16 August 2018. He is alleging that Matambanadzo bribed Brighton Makosa, Collin Mabhena, Martha Phiri and George Pandashalo with varying amounts of money ranging from $10 to $100 at Amaveni Shopping Centre on the elections day. He further claimed that Matambanadzo gave food hand-outs to four voters on the same day. The voters are cited as Evelyn Rubvuta, Future Mburuma, Rita Mabundutu and John Paradza, who have all tendered affidavits in support of Chebundo’s application.

Chebundo is further alleging that Matambanadzo misrepresented himself as an MDC Alliance candidate during his campaigns while presenting him (Chebundo) as a candidate for Senate. He is claiming that this confused voters to his detriment.

Matambanadzo is yet to respond to the application.

The National Patriotic Front split towards the 30 July elections, with other members supporting the MDC Alliance, while others were against associating with the Nelson Chamisa-led coalition.