Polls: 24 aspirants revoke candidature

Among these, some had filed their papers at the Nomination Court as independent candidates, while others intended to represent political parties when they were not the official candidates.

Some parties ended up having two candidates on the list for a single seat.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said in a statement yesterday that of the 24 candidates, 11 were for the National Assembly, while 13 were eyeing local authority seats.

Those who withdrew their candidature for the National Assembly constituencies after registering as independent candidates include Michael Madiro (Mutare North), Nokhuthula Matsikenyere (Chimanimani West), Leonard Dube (Nkayi South), Passmore Mabukwa (Gweru Urban), Richard Mavunga (Marondera West), Rumbidzai Mujuru (Chikomba Central), Shylet Uyoyo (Bikita South) and Peter Chingosho (Headlands).

Anderson Matibiri had filed as a double candidate for MDC in Shamva North, as was Rodger Muhlwa who filed for Zapu in Bulawayo East and Ndlela Ntandokayiphikiswa who had filed papers on an MDC-T ticket in Insiza South.

Initially, 12 Zanu-PF candidates had filed their papers as independent candidates for the National Assembly, but only three remain following the withdrawal of the other nine.
The party says Jonathan Samukange (Mudzi South), Daniel Garwe (Murehwa North) and Marian Chombo (Zvimba North) have since expelled themselves from the party after failing to heed the directive to pull out.

Despite the withdrawal of the 24, ZEC’s list of nominated candidates still shows that there are 78 candidates who will contest National Assembly seats as independents.
The list of independent candidates is dominated by MDC-T, which has 41 candidates who lost in the controversial confirmation and primary election process, choosing to stand on their own.

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Out of 47 cases at the Electoral Court, 17 were successful, while 12 were thrown out, with the parties withdrawing 18 others.