In an interview with The Herald, Midlands State University human rights law lecturer Mr Valentine Mutatu said MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s decision to take his case to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) is a waste of time.
Matatu said the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights does not give a binding judgement. He also said the Constitutional Court is the final court of appeal in all constitutional matters. Said Matatu:
The Constitutional Court in Zimbabwe is the final court of appeal in all constitutional matters. In this case, it was the court of first and final instance. Taking the matter to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights will not take the alliance’s case any further. That commission does not give a binding judgment. It only makes recommendations. If there is any benefit, which I doubt, it’s just political. You will notice that MDC Alliance is clamouring for relevance after the loss in court. Taking the matter there will save its face.
Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said the ACHPR will not rule otherwise since the African Union endorsed the poll as free, fair and credible.
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Thus the truth the Constitutional Court has the final say, and AU and SADC have endorsed our elections and I think African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) will have to consider all this.