Machaya retains Zanu-PF Midlands chairmanship

Midlands Correspondent
INCUMBENT Midlands Zanu-PF chairman, Cde Jason Machaya has retained his post after he garnered 13 883 votes ahead of his former deputy, Cde Larry Mavhima’s 13 280 in a closely contested Midlands provincial executive election. Cde Tanaka Manyadza is now the new Midlands youth chairman after his opponent, Cde Edmore Samambwa, who was also seeking to retain his post, was disqualified after it was discovered that he was not eligible to contest for the post since his was above the maximum permitted age of 35.

Cde Ellina Shirichena retained her post of chairperson in the women’s league; there was no other candidate.
Zanu-PF political commissar in the Women’s League, Dr Olivia Muchena who was presiding over the elections, said the Midlands provincial executive elections were successfully conducted despite a few irregularities.

“I confirm that Cde Machaya has been re-elected Zanu-PF Midlands chairman ahead of his former deputy Cde Larry Mavhima. Cde Samambwa who was vying for the youth chairmanship post has been disqualified because he is above 35 years. According to the party’s constitution one ceases to become a member of the youth league when they are over 35 years,” she said.

Dr Muchena said Cde Mavhima was however, contesting the election result citing irregularities he said characterised the electoral process.

She said Cde Mavhima had handed in his petition which would be sent to the national directorate for consideration.
“Cde Mavhima’s petition would be taken to the national directorate for considerations. If his argument holds water, it would be tabled before the Politburo,” she said.

Dr Muchena however, applauded Cdes Machaya and Mavhima and the entire province for showing political maturity during the electoral process.

“The two candidates, Cdes Mavhima and Machaya have conducted themselves well during the electoral process even when they were in disagreement. This shows political maturity within Zanu-PF. This should be an example to other political parties whose elections have always been characterised by violence,” she said.

The elections were conducted on Saturday last week. However, the re-elections were conducted on Wednesday in Gweru urban, Mtapa and Mkoba.

In some parts of the province the elections were postponed to Wednesday and Thursday due to logistical challenges encountered during the Saturday elections.