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Nyore Madzianike Manicaland Bureau
THE battle lines have been drawn in Manicaland Province as aspiring Zanu-PF candidates vie for various positions in the House of Assembly and local government during the primary elections slated for this Sunday.

Finger-pointing, bad mouthing, counter-accusations and name dropping became the order of the day as curricula vitae were being vetted both at provincial and national level.

Yesterday, the revolutionary party gave aspiring candidates the green light to start campaigning ahead of Sunday’s elections.

Cde Mandiwanzira

The announcements opened another chapter ahead of the elections with reports of difficulties in coming up with an agreed modus operandi, as the party called for joint campaigns.

Manicaland political commissar Cde Gift Kagweda was not reachable for comment.

Provincial secretary for administration Cde Kenneth Saruchera said the political commissariat was working on the campaign programme.

“They can start their campaigns tomorrow (today). The political commissar (PC) is now working on a programme on how aspiring candidates can campaign starting tomorrow,” he said.

Cde Zindi

But all eyes will be on five of the 26 constituencies where fireworks are expected.

A big talking point will be Mutare North where sitting Member of Parliament Cde Batsirai Pemhenai will battle it out with provincial chairman Cde Mike Madiro.

Cdes Netsiyamwa and July Manyewu are also in the race.

In Nyanga South, Minister of Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security Cde Supa Mandiwanzira squares off with businesswoman Cde Talent Kadzima.

Cde Mandiwanzira is the current Nyanga South MP.

Cde Mupfumi

Lawyer Cde Misheck Mugadza and Cde Irene Zindi will fight it out for supremacy in Mutasa South where the latter is the sitting MP with Cde Shellington Bumbura also eying the seat.

In Dangamvura-Chikanga, Cde Esau Mupfumi is facing competition from land developer Cde Mike Duru and businessman Cde Binali  Yard.

Cde Mupfumi is also facing another businessman, Cde Kenneth Muchina, former senior police officer Cde Kenny Mutombeni, Cdes Portia Zvitambo and Wada Munjoma.

Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Scholarships Dr Chris Mushohwe is being challenged by Cdes Teedzai Percy Muchimwe, Maxwell Marange Masanga and Happy Marangwanda in Mutare West.