Zimpapers Logo

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
More than 1 000 Zanu-PF aspiring councils and National Assembly candidates have hit the campaign trail in Masvingo ahead of this weekend’s primary elections, amid calls by the ruling party’s leadership for peaceful campaigns. About 150 candidates will fight it out to represent the ruling party in the National Assembly election, while a whopping 900 candidates will battle for tickets in council elections across the province.

Zanu-PF provincial chair Cde Ezra Chadzamira yesterday said the province unconditionally accepted the final list approved by the party’s National Elections Directorate on candidates who will contest the primaries in Masvingo.
He called for all aspiring candidates to observe peace and campaign in teams.

“We are happy with the final list where some members with pending cases were cleared to contest after being absolved of any wrongdoing,” said Cde Chadzamira.

“We uphold the National Elections Directorate’s verdict and we are looking forward to holding successful primary elections.”
Cde Chadzamira, who is being challenged by war veteran Cde Western Ezra in the battle for Masvingo West constituency, said all aspiring candidates were now free to start campaigning as there was little time before weekend’s primaries.

“We only have five days to campaign before the primary elections day and aspiring candidates are free to start campaigning, but in peace and as teams,” he said.

Cde Chadzamira said the party was seized with cell registers verification over the weekend in readiness for the primaries.
There was jubilation across the province as some Zanu-PF aspiring candidates, whose participation in the polls had been cast in doubt, were given the green light by the ruling party’s National Elections Directorate.

Among the doubtful aspiring candidates were Cde Ephraim Gwanongodza (Chivi Central), Cde Josbi Omar (Mwenezi East), Brigadier-General Callisto Gwanetsa (Rtd) (Chiredzi South), Cdes Darlington Chiwa (Chiredzi West) and Denford Masiya (Chiredzi East).

Some of the members were allegedly linked to the ousted G40 cabal and had been served with letters to appear before the party’s provincial disciplinary committee.

An elated Cde Gwanongodza, who was among those served with suspension letters to appear before a disciplinary committee, said he was happy to be given the nod to contest the primaries.

“I am happy that my name has been cleared and I can now stand in the primaries,” he said.
“I am very much prepared for the battle. I had been unfairly charged and was set to appear before the Provincial Disciplinary Committee.”

Mwenezi East legislator Cde Omar was also ecstatic, saying he was the people’s choice in the constituency and was ready for the primary polls.

“I knew that some people were saying that I had been disqualified before the NED’s decision was made,” he said. “I did not have a case to answer as I have not known any other party besides Zanu-PF. Our leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, wants the party to remain united and we support this position.

“I am now busy preparing for the primary elections, which I am confident of winning.”
Notable candidates who will contest in the weekend primaries in the province include philanthropist and businessman Dr Killer Zivhu, who is eyeing Chivi South constituency.

Dr Zivhu will square off against incumbent MP Cde Mafios Utete, Cde Juliet Hungoedza, Clr Enock Shindi, Rikios Hlambelo, Samson Mutsamba, Lt-Col Denis Masomere (Rtd) and Cde Samuel Magadhe.

In Gutu North, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira will battle with Youth League National Executive member Cde Yeukai Simbanegavi, Cde Joshua Chirinda and Ticharwa Madondo, while in Gutu South Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth, Cde Pupurai Togarepi will battle it out with Cde Fungai Mahofa, who is daughter to the late Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Senator Shuvai Mahofa, Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe and five others.