Mugabe in poll gamble

The two MDC formations on Friday welcomed indications that President Robert Mugabe will order by-elections in 38 vacant constituencies, saying they are ready for the polls.

Justice minister Patrick Chinamasa told the Senate on Thursday that the by-elections would be held before the end of the year following a Supreme Court ruling last week ordering Mugabe to call for House of Assembly polls in Bulilima East, Lupane East and Nkayi South.

This was after former MPs Njabuliso Mguni, Abedinico Bhebhe and Norman Mpofu dragged the veteran ruler to court for delaying the by-elections.

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