Tsvangirai Seeks To Annul Mugabe's Appointees

The papers were served on Mugabe and the 10 provincial governors on Wednesday. Mugabe is listed as the first respondent while the governors are also listed as respondents.

Local Government, and Urban Development Minister, Ignatius Chombo, is listed as the twelfth respondent.

In the papers Tsvangirai is arguing that the appointments of the governors were illegal because Mugabe did not consult him as required by the constitution.

Tsvangirai said the court should set aside the appointments because they were in violation of the country’s constitution.

“Most regrettably, what has caused and compels me to file this application is the fact that the First Respondent, the President of Zimbabwe has violated the constitution. Sadly it appears clear that the violations are intentional.

“Although there are numerous other instances of the First Respondent’s violations of the law, especially in making appointments unilaterally, this application concerns the appointment of Provincial Governors,” Tsvangirai said in court papers.

Those whose governorship is being contested by the Prime Minister are David Karimanzira; Cain Mathema; Martin Dinha; Aeneas Chigwedere; Faber Chidarikire; Jaison Machaya, Christopher Mushowe, Angeline Masuku; Thokozile Matutu; and Titus Maluleke.

“I bring to this Honourable Court in my capacity as the Prime Minister and in my personal capacity. As Prime Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I have a duty and obligation to uphold the rule of law and to see redress in the event of any violations of the constitution of Zimbabwe and or the rule of law in general,” Tsvangirai said in the application.

Tsvangirai has resorted to seek redress at the High Court after Mugabe declined to reverse the appointments claiming he had acted in line with the constitution.

In line with the Global Political Agreement the MDC-T is suppose to have five posts of governors, Zanu (PF), four and the MDC-M getting one.

But Mugabe has grabbed all the posts saying the MDC-T should first successfully campaign for the removal of sanctions imposed by Western country.

The MDC-T say Zanu (PF) has brought the sanctions because of their undemocratic behavior and lack of respect for human rights.