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Fungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
CABINET Minister and zanu-pf Politburo member Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri (Retired) has commended losing candidates in zanu-pf primary elections here for being selfless as they are working together with winning candidates to campaign for the party.

Speaking at a Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Bindura at the weekend, Cde Shiri said he was impressed by the spirit being exhibited by losing candidates.

“I am impressed by war veterans’ chairperson, Cde Sam Parirenyatwa, Senator Damian Mumvuri, Cde Tabeth Kanengoni and Godfrey Tsenengamu for being true cadres who rally behind the party,” he said.

“They contested and lost in the just-ended primary elections, but have remained loyal to the party. This is a good example and a lesson to youths. The in-house competitions were done to come up with our candidates. It was not a war. I urge everyone to copy from the cadres I mentioned.”

He added: “There are still some constituencies where people need to reconcile. I appeal to losing candidates to help us bring people back together. In Muzarabani constituencies, the losing candidates must be visible and support the winning candidates.

“In Guruve South, there are people on the ground who are reconciling people. In Mazowe West we heard that there is still tension. We now need the losing candidates to talk to the people. I also hear that there is need for candidates to unite in Mazowe North so that we don’t have any challenges.

“In Mt Darwin East, Brighton Chitumba must now realise that unity is important. The discord in that constituency should be addressed. Chitumba must work with the winning candidate. People, especially his friends, need to talk to him.”

Cde Shiri added that primary elections were rehearsals for the harmonised elections.

“Tsenengamu came out nationally saying although he lost he will continue working for the party,” he said.

“Processes end, but we need to move forward. The issue of primary elections is now a thing of the past, let us mobilise votes for the harmonised elections.”

For female senators, Cde Monica Mavhunga was ranked the highest followed by Cdes Alice Chimbudzi, Angeline Tongogara and Doroth Kadungure.

For men, Cde Shiri was ranked first followed by Cdes Chen Chimutengwende, Eleven Kambizi, Hillary Mombeshora and Wilfred Mutandadzi.

A fundraising was held and $3 900 was raised for party activities.