Zimbabwean court throws out motion to fire Parliament speaker, rules lawmakers voted freely
By APTuesday, March 9, 2010
Zimbabwe court blocks ouster of Parliament speaker
HARARE, Zimbabwe — A Zimbabwean court has rejected an attempt to oust the Parliament speaker, who is a top aide to the prime minister.
A supporter of longtime President Robert Mugabe had gone to the High Court seeking to oust the speaker, alleging there were irregularities when legislators voted for him.
A high court judge said Tuesday that the speaker’s election was carried out constitutionally and that legislators had voted freely.
Mugabe has led Zimbabwe since 1980. He was forced into a power-sharing agreement that made longtime opponent Morgan Tsvangirai the prime minister.
The coalition was formed following a series of inconclusive elections that were marred by violence blamed on Mugabe supporters.
