adminFreedom Mupanedemo Midlands Correspondent
MDC-T–primary elections for Gweru urban were abandoned for the second time yesterday after some aspiring councillors reportedly blocked the election, arguing that the venue was not convenient. The MDC-T primary elections for Gweru urban councils were scheduled to be conducted at the party’s provincial headquarters in Athlone suburb.
Sources said some aspiring candidates with their supporters then blocked the move, arguing that the venue was not ideal.
“The party wanted to avoid the chaos which prevailed last weekend which led to the abandonment of the elections for Gweru Urban by conducting the elections at the party headquarters. Some aspiring candidates, however, blocked the move saying they wanted the elections to be held in their respective wards,” said a senior provincial executive, who was speaking on condition of anonymity.
The official said aspiring councillors threatened to boycott the primary elections forcing the election directorate to cancel the elections.
“Aspiring councillors threatened to boycott the election if they were conducted at the party provincial headquarters and this forced the election directorate to cancel the elections. The move has caused more chaos because time is not on our side as the date for the sitting of the Nomination Court is fast approaching,” said the official.
MDC-T Midlands South Provincial spokesperson Mr James Tsuro said he was not officially informed that the party primary elections were supposed to be conducted at the party provincial headquarters.
“I was not aware of the development and I only came to know of it through some rumours. I have no clue as to what is happening because the issue is being handled at national level,” he said.
The primary elections for Gweru Urban were abandoned on Sunday when disgruntled party supporters staged demonstrations over alleged imposition of candidates.
The MDC-T national executive then summoned the Midlands provincial executive in Harare for a briefing on the squabbles rocking the party in the province.
Meanwhile, Mr Tsuro is said to have refused to endorse the primary elections in which he lost to Mr Ernest Guduza in the councils election for Mkoba’s Ward 14.
The elections were conducted last Sunday.
Mr Tsuro said he did not endorse the elections results as he felt that they were rigged.
“The elections were rigged and the people who voted were not from the relevant ward. How then do you expect me to endorse such an election?” he said.
Mr Tsuro said he appealed to the national executive and was waiting a feedback.
Online Reporter