Jane Mlambo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has breached the Electoral Act after he failed to comply with the 90 day deadline to hold the Lupane East by-election after it became vacant following the death of Sithembile Gumbo in April this year.

According to constitutional watchdog, Veritas, Mnangagwa did not comply with the Constitution as the Lupane East by-election will now be held after the stipulated 90-days.

“Veritas has raised concerns that the President did not comply with the Constitution in calling for the by-election as the election will be held after the stipulated 90 days within which a vacancy has to be filled in accordance with Sections 158(3) and 159, and Section 39 of the Electoral Act,” said ZESN in an update following the close of nomination court on Saturday.

By the time the Nomination Court closed, nine candidates had been dully nominated and therefore the election is expected to be held on the 3rd of August 2019 as scheduled.