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Zanu-PF provincial secretary for Administration for Mashonaland East Cde Lawrence Katsiru yesterday won primary elections to represent Marondera Central in a by-election on September 19 after he polled 1,254 votes.
The by-election was called after Ray Kaukonde was expelled from Zanu-PF and subsequently from Parliament for working with expelled and former Vice-President Joice Mujuru to unconstitutionally unseat President Robert Mugabe.
Kaukonde was recently expelled together with Kudakwashe Bhasikiti of Mwenezi East and David Butau of Mbire.
In Marondera Central, educationist Cde Cleopas Kundiona came second with 899 votes, while Cdes Lucas Chimoka had 883, Jerry Gotora (189), Ralph Chimanikire (114), Bernard Taruvinga (81), Michael Matenga (52), Nelson Watyoka (41), Harold Gamu (40), Douglas Chitekuteku (17) and Patrick Makombe (16).
Politburo member Cde Charles Tavengwa announced the results, in which there were 49 spoiled votes, after supervising the primaries.
Voting was done peacefully, although the process was characterised by delay, long queues in the morning and turning away of some people due to various reasons, including logistical challenges.
Results for the primaries in Mbire and Mwenezi East had not been announced by late last night.
In Mbire, a truck carrying election material was involved in an accident near Guruve centre, injuring two officers and damaging some election material.
The elections went ahead at all the 51 polling stations where 10 candidates were vying to replace Butau.
Presiding officer and Zanu-PF national deputy commissar Cde Omega Hungwe said there were no incidents reported at all polling stations.
The 10 candidates were Cdes Romeo Chasasa, Robson Chidongo, Fellow Chivenge, Lloyd Gunyungo, Cleopas Hamandishe, Douglas Karoro, Paul Mazikana, Charles Mutukudzi, Nathan Muzeza and Theresa Nyowani.
In Mwenezi East where 10 candidates were battling to replace Bhasikiti, voting kicked off on a low note with low voter turn out in most areas.
Zanu-PF deputy secretary for Administration Cde July Moyo, who presided over the polls, said logistical hitches affected polling at two centres.
As of late last night, results from eight centres out of the 24 where people voted were still outstanding.
“We had poor voter turnout by rural standards and I’ve not analysed why the situation was like that,” said Cde Moyo.
The 10 candidates were Cdes Marvelous Chifumuro, Painos Hungwe, Patrick Mandebvu, Joshua Moyo, Cleotas Muchara, Alec Murefu, Webster Muzara, Clara Shumba, Justice Sithole and Jabulani Mberesi.
Online Reporter