adminFarirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
LOSING candidates in the Zanu-PF provincial elections held in Midlands and Manicaland have been urged to accept the results of the polls and work with their winning counterparts towards achieving the objectives of the party. This was said by Zanu-PF secretary for information and publicity Cde Rugare Gumbo at a press conference at the party’s headquarters yesterday.
But some losing candidates said they were not happy with the process and had appealed to have the results set aside.
“Zanu-PF provincial elections have been conducted in two of the nation’s provinces and the revolutionary party is happy to report that in both instances, the voting process was smooth, free, credible and reflected the will of the respective provincial members,” said Cde Gumbo.
“We urge those who did not make it to appreciate that there are no winners and losers in the party. We are a united party, driven by a common goal.”
Cde Gumbo urged the remaining provinces to also conduct their elections peacefully and promote the good name of the party.
In Manicaland, Cde John Mvundura got 18 445 votes to beat Senator Monica Mutsvangwa who polled 7 170.
But Cde Mutsvangwa said she had already pulled out of the elections citing several irregularities.
“I had already withdrawn because of the various irregularities I chronicled to the party leadership and as far as I am concerned it is up to them to map the way forward,” she said.
Cde Joyline Porusingazi was elected provincial chairlady after she received 5 721 votes to Cde Clara Mukahanana’s 3 941.
Kelvin Manyengavana was elected unopposed as the chairperson of the Youth League after his challenger Cde Chaita Mhlanga was disqualified on the basis of being above the stipulated age of 35 years.
In Midlands, Cde Jaison Machaya was victorious after polling 13 883 votes to beat his former deputy in the previous executive Cde Larry Mavhima who garnered 13 280 votes.
Cde Ellina Shirichena was elected unanimously for the Women’s League, while Tanaka Manyadza was also elected unopposed as the youth chairman after Cde Edmore Samambwa was disqualified for having passed the set age limit.
Cde Mavhima also raised queries in the manner the elections were conducted and said he had since appealed to the commissariat department.
“I have appealed to the Political Commissar about the conduct of the elections especially in Shurugwi North where four districts did not vote,” he said. “There were also several irregularities that include voting at night and bussing in of people.
“It is my considered view that the process was tampered with in a serious manner and that the results should be set aside.”
Cde Gumbo said it was within the rights of disgruntled individuals to appeal against the results.
“In any contest, there is a winner and a loser and as far as I am concerned from what I have been briefed from Manicaland, Senator Mutsvangwa withdrew, while in the Midlands, which I know very well, there is no basis for Cde Mavhima to complain because we went through together station by station and constituency by constituency and we agreed on the figures, so what else can we do?” he said.
“There will always be people who grumble about elections.”
Online Reporter