Zimbabwe elections chief has resigned ahead of crucial polls in 2013 citing ill health, local media reported on Wednesday. Retired Justice Simpson Mutambanengwe took up his post in March 2010, two years after President Robert Mugabe won elections marred by bloodshed and intimidation. The vote led to international outcry and pressure which forced Mugabe into a power sharing government.
“He tendered his resignation to President Robert Mugabe and his excellency accepted it. The resignation is on the grounds of health,” Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa was quoted as saying by the Herald newspaper.
Chinamasa said he is consulting with Mugabe and his rival Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to find a “suitable replacement”.
Zimbabwe is expected to hold a constitutional referendum and elections later this year, which will end the shaky coalition, but no dates have been set.
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