Councillors to petition minister over mayor

Yeukai Karengezeka Herald Correspondent
Four Zanu-PF councillors from Chitungwiza have vowed to challenge the elections for mayor and deputy mayor that saw MDC-Alliance candidates Councillor Gift Tsverere being elected mayor and Clr Jabulani Mtunzi his deputy.

The ruling party councillors said they will petition the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing July Moyo for redress.

Clr Kiven Mutimbanyoka, who is leading the process, blames Chitungwiza district administrator Mrs Zivanai Zisango for allowing the elections to proceed despite the chaos that marred the process.

“We are not satisfied by the way mayoral elections were conducted, largely putting the blame on Mrs Zisango who was influenced by opposition party officials to let the elections proceed even when they were not the business of the day,” he said.

“The decision to hold elections was made within two hours. “We cannot let this go just like that and we are writing a petition to Minister July Moyo over the matter as these elections were bogus.”

According to the councillors, notices of electing a mayor were supposed to be issued 24 hours before the event, but this was ignored as notices were given within two hours. “Our argument is based on the notice period given,” said Clr Mutimbanyoka.

“According to the Urban Councils Act, we are supposed to be given 24 hours notice on such important issues as the mayoral election, but this was not followed.

“Besides, the motion to go ahead and select a mayor was raised out of the meeting of our swearing-in ceremony, which was the only business of that day. It was after Dr George Makunde had already closed the meeting and Mrs Zivanai had also given her closing remarks.”

Clr Mutimbanyoka said Mrs Zisango also failed to stop the elections despite the chaos that was transpiring both inside and outside the chambers.

“Chaos was raining supreme, especially outside the chambers, but still that did not deter the administrator from conducting such a shameful election,” he said.

“This is the reason why we then decided to walk out as it was unreasonable because many other influential leaders from the opposition party were inside the chamber, yet the elections were supposed to be conducted by councillors only.” Mrs Zisango declined to discuss the matter, only saying: “I do not have a comment over that at all.”