The Daily Telegraph
10th March 2002
Anonymous
ZIMBABWE’S opposition party today again asked a High Court to extend voting in presidential elections, citing continued delays at urban polling stations.
“We have applied to the High Court for another 24 hours extension of the polls. We have also asked that the registrar general and those who resisted the orders of the court to open the polling stations today be held in contempt,” Movement for Democratic Change MP David Coltart said, adding that the hearing should be held later today.
MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who is tipped to win a free and fair election, went to the courts yesterday accusing the government of creating delays in Harare in a deliberate attempt to reduce the vote in his urban strongholds. Voting outlets were increased for rural voters, the main support base of president Robert Mugabe.
The court ordered an extension for today, but MDC officials said more time was needed in Harare.
“They opened stations five hours late. We need an extension. They should make up for that time,” MDC spokesman Nomore Sibanda said. “Even after opening up, they then allowed violence to take place, because our people were being beaten up by ZANU-PF thugs,” he said, referring to the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front.
Mr Tsvangirai has accused Mr Mugabe of attempting to steal the election by driving opposition observers from 43 per cent of the rural polling stations, some of the rural counting stations and keeping people in urban areas from voting.
Mr Coltart also said the party’s secretary-general and third ranking official, Welshman Ncube, was arrested today in the southwestern town of Plumtree, while his deputy, Gift Chimanikire, was detained in Harare.
Police gave no reason for the arrests, but Mr Ncube has been charged with treason in a previous case.
Mr Mugabe is facing the toughest challenge to his 22-year grip on power from Mr Tsvangirai, a former trade union leader.