Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
A total of 18 candidates successfully filed their nomination papers at the Victoria Falls Nomination Court on Wednesday to contest three vacant council seats in the resort city.
The Nomination Court sat at Victoria Falls City Council chambers and received papers from candidates seeking election in Wards 9, 10 and 11 ahead of the forthcoming by-elections scheduled for August 1.
The race is dominated by independent candidates, although the ruling Zanu PF party and opposition ZAPU have also fielded candidates.
In Ward 9, Mathe Simbarashe (Independent), Mudenda Liberty (Independent), Sibanda Tapiwa Kwendu (Zanu PF) and Sibanda Vusumuzi (Independent) successfully filed their nomination papers.
Ward 10 attracted the highest number of candidates, with eight contenders entering the race. These are Chuma Preston (Independent), Kagande Prince T (Independent), Mathe Ayanda (Independent), Muzhazha Abel (Independent), Ndlovu Deffin (Independent), Sagambi Tonderai (Independent), Sibanda Thindolie (Zanu PF) and Sibindi Nkanyiso (Independent).
In Ward 11, Maseko Conference (Independent), Mhlanga George (Zanu PF), Mianda Jephat Siabusu (Independent), Moyo Daniel (Independent), Ncube Francis (ZAPU) and Ndlovu Mqondisi (Independent) filed their nomination papers.
The vacancies arose following the recent recall of several councillors.
The recalls are understood to have stemmed from internal party disputes and allegations of misconduct, resulting in the affected councillors losing their seats and triggering the need for by-elections to restore full representation in the city council.
In a notable development, Sibindi Nkanyiso is the only recalled councillor to return to the race after filing nomination papers to contest Ward 10 as an independent candidate.
The by-elections are scheduled to be held on August 1.
