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Temba Dube Senior Reporter
THE Zanu-PF provincial elections are ready to roll tomorrow with ballots and other voting material set to be distributed to district centres from the provincial command centres today. The elections for provincial chairpersons, the main wing, women’s league and youth league would be held in seven provinces, Bulawayo, Harare, Matabeleland North and South, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Masvingo.
Speaking from Harare yesterday, Zanu-PF National Chairman and chairperson of the ad-hoc committee set up to supervise the elections, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, said everything was in place and the revolutionary party was geared for transparent, credible, free and fair elections.
Other members of the committee are party Secretary for Administration Cde Didymus Mutasa and Secretary for the Commissariat Cde Webster Shamu. “We held a meeting with incumbent provincial chairpersons and team leaders led by Politburo members yesterday (Wednesday) to ensure everyone was on the same page. It must be stressed that the teams that are going to the provinces are not there to re-invent any wheel.
They will be following laid down party procedures for the conduct of elections. Voting will take place in one day, on Saturday, starting at 7am and ending at 7pm,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
He said distribution of voting material would start at 12 noon today.
Cde Khaya Moyo said the party had done everything to ensure transparency of the internal polls.
“Anyone who will be found trying to influence the outcome of the election through vote buying or any other means should be immediately reported to the provincial command centre. The province will promptly relay the information to the national command centre in Harare and party disciplinary measures will be implemented.”
Added Cde Khaya Moyo: “The election is wholly funded by the party, from the printing of ballot papers to transport and allowances. There is therefore no need for anyone to use their money or resources during the election.”
He said the ad-hoc committee had supervised the verification of district registers and everyone had agreed on the names contained in the documents.
“Using the registers, enough ballot papers to cover all the provinces have been printed. We want a clean, transparent and thoroughly disciplined process. Nobody should interfere using their positions during the process. There must be peace and unity in the conduct of these elections.
To smoothen the process, people should carry their national identity cards for easy identification. I wish all candidates the best of luck,” said Cde Khaya Moyo. Incumbent Bulawayo chairman Professor Callistus Ndlovu is being challenged by his deputy Cde Killian Sibanda and Cde Douglas Ndlovu.
Dr Ignatius Chombo leads the team that will supervise the elections in the province where 108 party districts will vote. Other team members include Cdes Charles Tavengwa (Zone 1), Virginia Katyamaenza (Zone 2), Monica Mutsvangwa (Zone 3) Cephas Msipa (Zone 4) and Edison Chakanyuka (Zone 5).
In Matabeleland South the chairperson Cde Andrew Langa is being challenged by Cdes Lloyd Siyoka and Phumuza Ndlovu. Dr David Parirenyatwa is the head of the Matabeleland South team that comprises Cdes Kudakwashe Bhasikiti (Umzingwane), Olivia Muchena (Gwanda), Kudzai Chipanga (Beitbridge), Joseph Made (Mangwe), Cain Mathema (Bulilima), Hubert Nyanhongo (Insiza) and Samuel Mugande (Matobo).
Matabeleland North provincial chairman Cde Richard Moyo is seeking to retain his post and would battle it out with his deputy Cde Reeds Dube.
Dr Sydney Sekeramayi leads the supervisory team in Matabeleland North. The team members include Cdes Tendai Savanhu (Lupane), Joram Gumbo (Binga), Sylvester Nguni (Hwange), Tambudzani Mohadi (Nkayi), Dr Kotsho Dube (Bubi) and Mike Gava (Umguza). In Masvingo Chiredzi North MP Cde Robert Mukwena would fight it out against Chiredzi South MP Retired Brigadier-General Callisto Gwanedza and former MP in the same constituency, Cde Ailes Baloyi. The teams will be led by Cde Nicholas Goche and include Cdes Saviour Kasukuwere (Bikita), Joshua Malinga (Masvingo District), Lazarus Dokora (Gutu), Douglas Mombeshora (Chivi), Angeline Masuku (Chiredzi), Nyasha Chikwinya and Joseph Chinotimba (Mwenezi).
According to the Zanu-PF constitution: “Members of the provincial executive council are elected at provincial conferences by delegates representing each party district in the province. The provincial elections are held once every four years.”
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