adminvictorious in the primary elections will go represent the party in harmonised elections slated for July 31. Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo yesterday expressed satisfaction with the way the nominations for candidates had been carried out in various provinces over the weekend.
“The National Elections Directorate will meet tomorrow, Tuesday 18 June at 10am, at party headquarters to scrutinise all the applications from provinces,” he said.
“The NED will then report to the Politburo on Wednesday 19 June 2013 to approve prospective candidates.”
Although he could not reveal much on the nominated candidates, Cde Khaya Moyo said the response to represent the party was overwhelming.
“Reports from all provinces indicate that the processing of applications by Zanu-PF aspiring candidates in all categories for the forthcoming harmonised elections has proceeded very smoothly without any incidents,” he said.
“The applications are said to be overwhelming, indicating the robustness of the revolutionary party and its thriving democracy.”
Some of the provinces were still to complete their lists for submission to the NED by the 4pm deadline yesterday.
“People are still coming in with their lists. We (NED) should be ready by 10am tomorrow,” he said.
The nomination exercise was characterised by a huge turnout and peace as the revolutionary party gears itself for the polls that have been described as crucial for the future of the country.
Zanu-PF will hold its primary elections in one day at places that are normally used as polling stations countrywide, with all card carrying members eligible to cast their votes.
The party’s provincial executive for Mashonaland West said yesterday that it had received several complaints from prospective candidates who failed to make it to the primary elections following completion of the verification process at the weekend.
Some of the complaints were those of people who failed to meet the deadline to submit CVs and those who said they had been in the party for more than the stipulated five years, but were disqualified on allegations that they had less years.
Provincial chairman Cde John Mafa confirmed receiving several complaints, saying they were being looked at and forwarded to the national elections directorate for determination.
“Yes, we have received complaints from several people who say they were disqualified when they met the set criteria and we are looking at the cases and forwarding them to the national elections directorate for their determination,” he said.
In one of the incidents, a prospective candidate claimed to have served the party for the past 20 years, but was dismissed on the basis that he had served for less than five years.
“The process was cumbersome with nearly 2 000 CVs to look at and mistakes are bound to happen, but overall the process was done in a satisfactory manner,” said Cde Mafa.
“We have sorted out about three or four cases, but I am not at liberty to make them public because they are yet to get to the National Elections Directorate.”
Cde Mafa’s executive was still preparing the report on the nominations by late yesterday afternoon and failed to meet the 4pm deadline to submit it to the NED.
Figures obtained in Masvingo indicated that 97 candidates successfully filed their nomination papers to contest in the primaries for the House of Assembly seats, while 23 heavyweights filed their papers for the senate.
Masvingo South legislator and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Cde Walter Mzembi sailed through as the Zanu-PF candidate for his constituency after he was unopposed.
An attempt by Cde Lazyman Humbe to submit his papers and challenge Cde Mzembi hit a brick wall after his papers were rejected by the provincial elections directorate.
Also to sail through uncontested was Zaka East sitting legislator Cde Samson Mukanduri.
Mwenezi West which was left vacant following the death of Cde Neddy Masukume has the highest number of aspiring candidates at 10.
Mwenezi West is followed by Masvingo West which has eight aspiring candidates, among them city businesswoman and special interest councillor Cde Namatirai Chivanga,
businessman Cde Samuel Jakata and mining consultant Cde Teddie Muzoroza.
A two-horse race is expected in Bikita West where former advisor to Reserve Bank Governor Dr Munyaradzi Kereke will tussle with another ex-central bank employee and musician Cde Elias Musakwa.
Mr Heya Shoko of MDC-T holds the seat.
Another tough contest is expected in Masvingo North constituency which has seven candidates who are eyeing the constituency, with son to late national hero Cde George Mudukuti, Cde Mainos Mudukuti, businessman Cde Davis Marapira and educationist Cde Jacob Chademana expressing interest.
Zimpapers board chairperson and medical doctor Dr Paul Chimedza will slug it out against law lecturer Dr Vengai Guni in the race for Gutu South constituency.
In Bikita South, Zanu-PF provincial secretary for Finance Cde Jappy Jaboon will fight with the party’s provincial women’s league boss Cde Shylet Uyoyo, together with Cde Wilson Makonya and school headmaster Cde Universter Mukwena.
The seat is held by Mr Jani Vharandeni of MDC-T.
University of Zimbabwe lecturer Dr Joseph Kurebwa successfully submitted his papers to represent Zanu-PF in Gutu North where he will square off against four other candidates.
Another tough battle is expected in Chivi Central where Copac co-chairperson and sitting legislator Cde Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana will contest against Cde Meke Chamwadoro and trade unionist Cde Ephraim Gwanongodza of the Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions.
In Chivi South, sitting legislator Cde Ivine Dzingirai is being challenged by Dr Sylvester Maunganidze, businessman Cde Victor Gapare and Cde Mafios Utete.
Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairman Cde Lovemore Matuke will contest against businessman Cde Benson Dandira for the Gutu Central, while Cde Eddison Zvobgo Jnr will battle against businessman Cde Mhere in Masvingo Central.
In Chiredzi West, Masvingo governor Titus Maluleke will slug it out against five other candidates, including Cde Darlington Chiwa, a sugar cane farmer.
Those who expressed interest in senatorial seats in the province were Cdes Maina Mandava, Clemence Makwarimba, Shuvai Mahofa, Nelson Mawema, Colonel Claudious
Makova (Retired), Stanley Chabvepi, former Masvingo governor Josaya Hungwe and former Finance Minister Samuel Mumbengegwi.
Former provincial chairperson Cde Daniel Shumba, businessman Joosbi Omar, Cde Shamiso Chiturumani and Cde Isaaih Muzenda are also running for the senatorial seats.
The full list of the party’s candidates from all provinces that will be forwarded to the Politburo is expected to be out today.
Online Reporter