Zimbabwe's highest court postpones appeal on poll date as Mugabe leaves for health check-up

HARARE, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe's highest court says it has postponed an appeal on the date for crucial elections it had set for the end of July.

Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku on Wednesday told attorneys representing rival political parties to amalgamate five separate appeal documents for a possible hearing Friday.

The Constitutional Court ruled early June that polls should be held on July 31 following a private lawsuit urging President Robert Mugabe to hold early elections.

The postponement coincided with the departure of Mugabe, 89, to Singapore for routine medical checks. He is expected back at the weekend, his office said.

A regional meeting on June 15 urged Mugabe to ask the court to review the date after the nation's main opposition parties said more time is needed for democratic reforms and election preparations.