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ZUJ elections saga continues
MISA-Zimbabwe
March 02, 2010

The re-run elections for a new executive of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) held in Bulawayo on 27 February 2010 have yet again sparked controversy with some members of the union describing them as null and void.

This comes on the backdrop of a case that is still pending before the High Court after Freelance Journalists Godwin Mangudya, Frank Chikowore, Conrad Mwanawashe and Guthrie Munyuki challenged the previous ZUJ elections held on 4 December 2009 as null and void.

Harrison Nkomo, a lawyer who is representing the four journalists in the matter that is pending in the High Court said of the recent developments: "We have to mount litigation to nullify that election. By any standards that cannot be called a free and fair election".

According to media reports, Journalist Nqobani Ndlovu who was vying for one of the two vice presidents' post was banned from the venue of the elections despite having expressed his interest in contesting the election. Journalists are reportedly arguing that the elections were not held according to constitution because the national council which has the mandate to call for elections did not meet.

"It's a scandal. I did not contest, it is a sham election that is why we and other progressive journalists who have the interests of the union at heart are challenging the sham event, to reclaim the union from hoodlums masquerading as journalists," said aspiring ZUJ president Conrad Mwanawashe.

Background

The matter that is still pending in the High Court was filed by the four freelance journalists on 17 December 2009 seeking nullification of the December 4 2009 elections.

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