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Itai Mazire Mash East correspondent
The leadership of war veterans in Mashonaland East has summoned 11 aspiring candidates who lost in the recent primary elections to iron out their differences and unite them ahead of the general elections.

The move by war veterans follows serious infighting amongst Zanu-PF party members in Goromonzi South constituency over the past weeks.

Reports indicate that aspiring candidates were ganging up against each other, fuelling factionalism.

During the April 29-May 1 primary elections, 11 aspiring candidates participated and Cde Petronella Kagonye won.

The provincial chairperson of war veterans, Cde Daniel Sigauke, said reports from the constituency were quite disturbing and hd the potential of weakening party structures.

“We met as leadership in Ruwa and resolved that the aspirants be brought to the table and we resolve their differences.

“Incidences of infighting are rampant in Goromonzi South. We now have factional leaders and as war veterans we will not allow that to happen.

“We are heading into an election and we need to be a united force to protect the gains of our new dispensation. We have to vote for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and everyone should be united,” said Cde Sigauke.

Indications are that the warring factions are against Cde Kagonye who stands accused of manipulating the voting system and using her position in Government to win.

Soon after the primary elections, losing candidates staged demonstrations calling for a rerun.

A rerun was ordered but was later cancelled by the party’s national commissariat department.

War veterans’ chairperson for Ruwa branch Cde Tarwirei Sonono said letters had been sent to the 11 aspirants.

“The meeting is scheduled for Saturday May 26, 2018 and we expect everyone to participate. We are in the election mode and everyone should be united so that we defeat opposition parties.

“After the meeting we expect all candidates and their supporters to be a united force,” he said.