The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) on Wednesday unanimously agreed to proceed with the presidential run-off election on June 27 as scheduled because the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's withdrawal has no legal force since it was filed out of time, The Herald reported on Thursday
The ZEC, which was appointed by the ruling Zanu-PF, the opposition MDC-T and all other political parties that contested the March 29 harmonized elections, under the SADC-brokered talks, said it has since advised Tsvangirai about the decision in writing.
ZEC Chairman Justice George Chiweshe said the poll would go ahead as Tsvangirai, who claims his security is under threat, briefly left the Dutch embassy in Harare to address a press conference at his Strathaven home in Harare.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry on Wednesday confirmed Tsvangirai returned to their embassy.
Addressing journalists, Justice Chiweshe said the commission had deliberated on the content and effect of Tsvangirai's letter in which he cited various reasons and concluded that the withdrawal was a nullity.
"It was unanimously agreed that the withdrawal had, inter alia, been filed well out of time and that for that reason the withdrawal was of no legal force or effect. Accordingly, the commission does not recognize the purported withdrawal, " the justice said.
"We are, therefore, proceeding with the presidential run-off election this Friday as planned. The ballot papers have been printed and dispatched. We are advising Tsvangirai accordingly," he added.
Justice Chiweshe said the commission was ready for the elections and that the results of the presidential run-off would be announced as soon as they were ready.
Source:Xinhua
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