adminGeorge Maponga Masvingo Bureau
The two leading candidates in the race for the Masvingo Urban National Assembly seat yesterday expressed confidence of landing the key constituency. Both Cde Taguma Mazarire of Zanu-PF and Mr Jacob Nyokanhete of the MDC-Alliance hailed the high voter turnout in the polls.
Cde Mazarire and Mr Nyokanhete lead a cast of nine candidates who availed themselves for selection before voters across Masvingo Urban’s 10 wards.
Mr Sam Chapfudza (Independent), Mr Paul Nyashanu (Independent), Mr Lovemore Chevure (United Democratic Alliance), Mr Michael Taderera (NPF), Mr Francis Nyakurita (PRC), Mr Phillip Munhuweyi and Mrs Hellen Makaronga (People’s Progressive) were also in the running for the seat.
Cde Mazarire and Mr Nyokanhete are the leading contenders for the seat judging by their support base.
Speaking after casting his vote at Showgrounds yesterday, Cde Mazarire said he was confident of victory.
“I am the incoming Member of National Assembly for Masvingo Urban, there is no doubt about that and we are already planning for victory celebrations, President Mnangagwa, myself and Zanu-PF are assured of victory,” he said.
Cde Mazarire expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the polls.
“The turnout is very high and I am impressed with the prevailing peace and tranquillity throughout all the 10 wards in Masvingo Urban, the election has been very peaceful.”
Mr Nyokanhete said the peaceful environment during the voting exercise was a cause for celebration.
He said he was convinced of wrestling the Masvingo Urban seat from Zanu-PF.
“I am more than confident that I will win,” he said.
“We did our homework as MDC-Alliance and I am more than sure that I will romp to victory.
“The turnout was very high and I am happy that the people of Masvingo Urban came out in their numbers to vote.”
The Masvingo Urban seat is vacant, but was in the hands of Zanu-PF after Daniel Shumba won the seat during the 2013 elections when he was still a member of the ruling party.
Mr Shumba was expelled from Zanu-PF last year for being part of G40 who were usurping ex-President Mr Robert Mugabe’s power.
Zanu-PF proceeded to recall Mr Shumba from the National Assembly as Masvingo Urban legislator and he is one of the 23 presidential candidates and is standing on a UDM ticket.
Online Reporter