adminSamuel Kadungure Senior Reporter
THE slate of Zanu-PF aspirants eyeing Headlands constituency, which fell vacant last week following the recall of its legislator, Mr Didymus Mutasa, has swelled to 15 — making it a hotly-contested seat in decades — and possibly ever.Mr Mutasa was recalled together with his nephew, Mr Temba Mliswa, who was the legislator for Hurungwe West and the two have since challenged their expulsion from the august House in the ConCourt.
The Manica Post has it on good authority that some of the Zanu-PF candidates eyeing the orphaned Headlands constituency include former Zanu-PF provincial secretary for administration Cde Christopher Chingosho.
Cde Chingosho was the only cadre who had dared to challenged Mr Mutasa in the run-up to the 2013 elections, but was controversially disqualified in a development that forced his supporters to rebel against the party.
Zanu-PF provincial youth league executive member and Ward 37 Councillor, Cde William Taurai Chiripamberi, has also thrown his name in the ring alongside fellow provincial youth colleague, Cde Dakarai Mapuranga.
Cde Mapuranga hit the ground running last week when he celebrated the recall of Mr Mutasa at his Mhandara Farm.
Other candidates include former Manicaland Provincial Governor Cde Tinaye Chigudu and former Makoni North legislator Senator Shiela Mahere.
Interim war veterans’ leader Cde Nation Madongorere has also expressed interest in becoming Mr Mutasa’s replacement.
Zanu-PF provincial member Cde Tedius Choko Nyikayaramba, Ward 12 representative, one Clr O. Gonzo and Ward 7 councillor, Cde V Dakura are also eyeing the seat. War veteran Cde Peter Musimwa is also interested in the seat.
Another frontrunner is businesswoman Cde Claris Chimhini.
The vacant seat has also attracted the interest of two other Zanu-PF officials who all along have been nursing their political interests in Makoni South – Cdes Nathaniel Mhiripiri and Albert Nyakuedzwa.
The two have reportedly met traditional and party leaders canvassing for support.
The chairpersons from Headlands last week complained that some of these candidates were circumventing protocol —thereby creating confusion and chaos in their districts.
The complaints prompted Zanu-PF Politburo members Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Cde Patrick Chinamasa and Cde Kudzi Chipanga to summon all the candidates to a no-holds-barred-meeting today (Friday) where they are expected to read the riot act to them.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said as party leaders in Manicaland they reserved the right to ensure that the Headlands situation does degenerate into a free-for-all.
She confirmed receiving reports that some candidates were dividing, inciting and intimidating party supporters. Others were accused of vote-buying.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said they would not hesitate disqualifying anyone fingered in these malpractices.
“Zanu-PF has order and a mechanism of doing things. You will be told when to campaign. We are watching the developments closely and those who are jumping the gun will be banned. Those campaigning ahead of the party directive are doing so at their own peril,” said Cde Muchinguri.
Cde Chimanasa said the candidates would be thoroughly vetted to nip out rotten apples being sponsored by Mr Mutasa to create chaos and confusion.
He said they would make sure that nothing was left to chance, notwithstanding the fact that Mr Mutasa is clutching at any straw he can find.
“Headlands constituency is a unique case because Mutasa has made it abundantly clear that he is going to contest as an independent candidate. We want the candidates to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
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