It's do-or-die for Zanu-PF bigwigs

Published: 27 April 2018

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.

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 Gift Kagweda was not reachable for comment.

Provincial secretary for administration 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.

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 Batsirai Pemhenai will battle it out with provincial chairman Mike Madiro.

Netsiyamwa and July Manyewu are also in the race.

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

Mandiwanzira is the current Nyanga South MP.

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

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

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

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

Tags: Zanu-PF,