Published January 13, 2015
A Zimbabwean lawyer says a judge dismissed a civic group's application to postpone the country's referendum vote on a new constitution.
Alec Muchadehama, attorney for the National Constitutional Assembly, said Thursday a High Court judge ruled the courts have "no power" to change a date set by President Robert Mugabe because "he can do whatever he wants as long as the constitution allows it."
Mugabe announced on Feb. 8 that the referendum will be held on March 16, allowing voters only five weeks to review the 160-page draft charter.
The National Constitutional Assembly argues that is not enough time for people to read and understand such a "complex" document.
Muchadehama said he will appeal against the ruling because it "allows the president to act against the rights of citizens."
https://www.foxnews.com/world/lawyer-zimbabwean-court-dismisses-request-to-postpone-referendum-citing-presidential-powers