admin
Farirai Machivenyika in HEADLANDS
Cde Christopher Chingosho yesterday won the right to represent Zanu-PF in the Headlands parliamentary constituency primary polls held yesterday.
The by-election is set for June 10 should it become necessary by the close of the nomination court on April 8.
The seat fell vacant following the recall of Mr Didymus Mutasa from Parliament after he was expelled from Zanu-PF for being a member of the Joice Mujuru-led cabal that plotted to remove President Mugabe from power.
Announcing the results last night, the leader of the team co-ordinating the primary election, Cde Douglas Mombeshora, said Cde Chingosho polled 3 557 votes.
He defeated Cdes William Chiripamberi, who got 2 218; Sheilla Mahere (659); Tinaye Chigudu (650); and Elizabeth Mukungatu (444).
There were 52 spoiled ballot papers.
“I want to thank all those who assisted us in conducting this primary election.
“I urge those who lost in the by-election to support the winner so that we don’t lose in the by-election,” he said.
Cde Mombeshora urged Cde Chingosho to unite the party ahead of the by-election.
“Now that you have won don’t segregate people, but unite them so that we don’t lose the by-election,” Cde Mombeshora said.
Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairman Cde Samuel Undenge said it was Zanu-PF that had won.
“The ultimate winner is Zanu-PF because the election was held in a peaceful and transparent manner.
“We did not encounter any problems and I commend you for that,” Cde Undenge said.
Politburo member Cde Oppah Muchinguri advised Cde Chingosho to immediately start working to show his leadership qualities.
“This is the time for you to show your leadership qualities and you have your work cut out before the election.
“Campaigning starts tomorrow and you should ensure that you include even the people you beat today (yesterday) because you now represent Zanu-PF,” she said.
Cde Chingosho said he wanted to work towards the improvement of the lives of the people in the constituency.
“I want to unite the people who were divided by the divisive policies of Mutasa.
“There were problems in the distribution of inputs where people loyal to him were considered first. I want to work for the improvement of the lives of the people,” he said.
Cde Chingosho is principal director in the Ministry of Gender and Community Development, a decorated war veteran and was among the first district administrators in 1980.
Online Reporter