Staff ReporterA top official in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa alleges that at least 600 Mozambicans cast their votes in Zimbabwe’s July 30 polls.
MDC secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora said the participation of foreigners was illegal, and his party would approach the courts this week to have the votes nullified.
It is alleged that the electoral malpractice took place in Nyanga North, Mutasa North and Chipinge, along the border between Mozambique and eastern Zimbabwe.
The area is known for its heavy traffic of unemployed Mozambicans who cross into Zimbabwe illegally to do menial jobs during the day, returning to Mozambique at night.
“We have discovered voting anomalies where a total of 600 Mozambicans were registered and allowed to vote in Nyanga North. We have gathered the proof which we have at our disposal. We have made other discoveries in Mutasa North and Chipinge,” said Mwonzora.
“Now we are moving to file a court application at the Electoral Court. The others will be filed next week.
“We are seeking the nullification of those votes. The laws indicate that one should be a Zimbabwean resident to be able to be registered as a voter.”
He said foreigners were ineligible to vote in Zimbabwe’ s elections. The Electoral Act grants voting rights only to Zimbabweans who are resident in the country. Postal voting is allowed for Zimbabweans who are abroad – but only if they are travelling or living out of the country on government business.
