Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
A total of six candidates had successfully filed their nomination papers at the Nomination Court at Tredgold Building in Bulawayo by midday on Thursday, setting the stage for a multi-party contest in the upcoming by-election.
The race to fill the vacant seat has attracted a mix of seasoned politicians, independent hopefuls, and representatives from opposition parties.
The ruling party, Zanu-PF, is being represented by Cde Freedom Murechu.
The opposition landscape is set to feature a contest between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC).
EFF has fielded Mr Alson Moyo, while ZANC is represented by Mrs Nompilo Malaba.
The pool of candidates also includes three prominent independents.
Among them is human rights activist Mr Mbuso Fuzwayo, who is entering the political fray as an independent candidate.
The by-election also sees the return of former Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Councillor for Ward 22, Alderman Rodney Jele, who has filed his papers as an independent.
A significant entry into the race is Mrs Ester Excellia Zitha, the wife of the late legislator, Mr Desire Moyo, who has also filed as an independent candidate.
The Nomination Court, which opened at 10 am, saw the six candidates completing their paperwork smoothly by midday.
In interviews conducted immediately after successfully filing their papers, all candidates expressed optimism, noting that the entire nomination process went smoothly.
