Incarcerated MDC-T members apply to stand for elections

At least 31 MDC-T activists are facing murder charges after they allegedly murdered Inspector Petros Mutedza in Glen View.

Last Maengahama who is a national council member wants to challenge Glen View South legislator Mr Paul Madzore while councillor Tungamirai Madzokere wants to retain his Ward 32 in Glen View.

MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora confirmed the two had applied from prison.
Insiders said Maengahama was poised to win against Mr Madzore because of the incarceration and the waning support for the latter.
“I don’t foresee Madzore being confirmed because Maengahama’s people are already on the ground making inroads to make sure he is not confirmed.

“Maengahama also has sympathisers in the national council because of the incarceration so they will try to make sure he wins,” said a source.
Another source said Madzore who is the party provincial chairperson for Harare had lost favour with the leadership after he failed to stamp the party’s authority in Harare where Zanu-PF is making inroads.

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It is understood several party activists are not happy with the performance of legislators in the last five years hence are de-campaigning them ahead of the confirmation exercise to force primary elections.

This has resulted in most of them applying to challenge the legislators.
MDC-T Harare province spokesperson Mr Obert Gutu confirmed that only five out of 23 sitting House of Assembly MPs were not being contested.

“All MPs in Harare are being challenged with the exception of Tendai Biti in Harare East, Nelson Chamisa in Kuwadzana, Jameson Timba in Mt Pleasant, Theresa Makone in Harare North and Murisi Zvizwai in Harare Central.

“Mabvuku has 10 candidates vying to represent the party,” said Mr Gutu who is Senator for Chisipite.
Science and Technology Minister Heneri Dzinotyiwei is being challenged by five people at the primary level while four are targeting Kuwadzana which is under Public Service Minister Lucia Matibenga.

Labour and Social Services Minister Paurina Mpariwa’s Mufakose constituency is targeted by four men but she may survive after the party disqualified men from contesting female-held constituencies.

Former Energy and Power Development Minister Elias Mudzuri is being challenged by one candidate in Warren Park.
Chegutu West legislator Mr Takalani Matibe also faces a stern test as national executive member Mr Charlton Hwende and district chairperson Mr Ernest Mudimu have been approved to contest  him.