A Zimbabwe high court judge has ruled that the commission which has run the city of Harare since 2004 is illegal, putting pressure on the central government which installed the commission to allow elections to select municipal leaders.
The ruling emerged in a suit brought by former Harare town clerk Nomutsa Chideya, who challenged not only the legality of his dismissal but that of the commission. The high court judge ruled that Chideya should be re-instated as Harare town clerk.
The commission has already named Tendai Mahachi town clerk, despite the fact that Chideya had lodged a legal challenge to his dismissal.
Lawyer Sternford Moyo, representing Chideya, said the ruling means all actions taken by the commission are illegal and that the government must hold city elections.
Combined Harare Residents Association Chairman Mike Davies hailed the decision by Justice Lawrence Kamocha but questioned whether Harare will take heed of it.
More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...