ZANU PF Chimanimani West MP elect Nokuthula Matsikenyeri
has reportedly failed to file her notice of opposition against MDC Alliance
candidate Canaan Matiashe, who is challenging the July 30 election result
alleging massive vote-buying and intimidation by the incoming legislator.
Matsikenyeri, according to law, is reportedly entitled to
file notice of opposition within 14 days.
Chris Ndlovu of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners, who
is representing Matiashe, has written a letter to the registrar of the High
Court Civil division in Mutare notifying the new development.
Matiashe, through his lawyers, wants the matter to be put
on the unopposed roll by the court after Matsikenyeri failed to meet the
stipulated time frame.
“We note that the respondent was personally served with the
petition on August 11, 2018, she has not filed her notice of opposition. It’s
now 14 days after the service of the petition,” the letter dated August 27
read.
“In terms of the rules, the respondent now stands barred
from filing any notice of opposition without leave of the court. In order to
finalise this matter, we kindly ask that you place same on the unopposed roll.”
Matsikenyeri garnered 10 757 votes, while Matiashe had 9
199 votes and the applicant wants the court to nullify the respondent’s narrow
win.
The petition indicated that Matsikenyeri was involved in
vote-buying by distributing maize to voters.
The incoming legislator is being represented by Mugadza and
Chinzamba Legal Practitioners. Newsday
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