Recalled CCC legislators to run as independent candidates

Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau

The recalled CCC National Assembly Members in Mashonaland West’s Zvimba East and Chegutu West constituencies yesterday filed their nomination papers as independent candidates, as they seek re-election next February, having been barred by the High Court from using the CCC banner since they were expelled from the party.

Mr Admore Chivero and Mr Oliver Mutasa, who represented the CCC in Chegutu West and Zvimba East respectively before, were recalled by the party’s interim secretary general Mr Sengezo Tshabangu who told Parliament they had been expelled from the party.

They will now stand as independent candidates in the February 3, 2024 by-elections.

The High Court has ruled that recalled legislators cannot stand for the CCC, which caused nine of them to be excluded at the last moment from the ballots for filling the first round of vacancies generated by Mr Tshabangu.

The ruling Zanu PF party will be represented by Cde Kudakwashe Mananzva in Zvimba East, while Cde Wellington Shakemore Timburwa successfully submitted his papers for the Chegutu West constituency.

CCC will field Mr Konjana Gift Machoka and Mr Agrippa Alberito, who also filed their nomination papers to represent the two constituencies.

The two Zanu PF candidates were declared winners during the party’s primary elections held last Wednesday, with Cde Timburwa defeating Cde Farai Chigavazira in Chegutu West and Cde Mananzva defeating Cde Francis Mukwangwariwa in Zvimba East.

Announcing the successful candidates, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission provincial elections officer, Mr Austin Ndlovu said while nominations had been successfully filed for the two constituencies, it was worrisome that no woman submitted papers for consideration.

“It is sad particularly in light of the Government’s thrust on gender equality and we would want to promote women participation in politics,” he said.

Speaking after the nomination court sitting, all the candidates expressed optimism that they would win the by-elections.

The Zanu PF candidates said the confusion surrounding the CCC party was enough evidence for the electorate to ditch the opposition party. They said if voted into office, they would spearhead development projects. The court also sat and received papers for candidates to contest in three Chinhoyi ward by-elections slated for the same date next year.