Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom and South Africa on Tuesday, launched an online campaign to raise funds to support losing presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa’s legal costs potentially reaching $3 million (about R42 million).
The development comes at a time it has emerged that a former party employee is moving to attach property over a $264 000 debt.
Chamisa took the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declaration of Zanu PF leader and incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the winner of the July 30 presidential polls to the Constitutional Court.
However, the opposition leader’s bid to overturn the election results was unsuccessful as the apex court, led by Chief Justice Luke Malaba, dismissed his petition with costs.
The crowdfunding initiative, on gofundme.com, titled Zimbabwe Defend Vote Legal Costs, is targeting to raise a £100 000 (about R1,8 million).
So far £6 031 has been donated.
“Against overwhelming public opinion amongst Zimbabweans at home and abroad; the judgement handed by the Zimbabwe Constitutional Court went against the Nelson Chamisa,” reads a message on the campaign platform.
“Worse still, it carried a punitive condition requiring Nelson Chamisa to foot the legal costs of everyone involved. The funds required are needed as soon as possible”.
The campaign urged Zimbabweans to, “give generously, to fight this cynical ploy to silence a critical voice defending human rights, democracy and change in Zimbabwe”.
Zimbabweans back home also have an opportunity to support the cause.
“You can make a donation by card on this page or send your donation to Ecocash merchant Code 204861 (registered as NC Trust). Every little dollar helps,” the campaign reads.
“Let’s stand together because the journey to change requires each and every one of us to play a part”.
Party deputy secretary general Chalton Hwende backed the campaign on Twitter saying; “The 2,6 million that voted for #Chamisa have been challenged by an order of costs by the Constitutional Court. They will never break our spirit.
“The MDC kindly requests for donations by all #development and #peace loving Zimbabweans to support its costs in #Concourt case and at the African Commission
Source: News24
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