CHIVHU- ZANU PF Chikomba successfully held primary elections yesterday to identify a candidate who would face other political opponents in the July 26 by-elections for Ward 10 in Chivhu Urban.
The primary elections saw former Councilor Tafadzwa Mukandi romping to victory with 147 votes, shrugging off the challenge of Grace Machingura of Young Women for Economic Development, who polled 119 votes, Jotam Mapiye with 76 votes, while the party Chairperson, Rangarirai Matonho, garnered 31 votes.
Mukandi, speaking to Vhayeya.com, said he was happy to stand for his party.
“I’m happy to get a chance to represent our party, ZANU PF, and hope to complete some of our electrification projects as well as the school project in our ward. Looking back, when I was councilor from 2021 to 2023, I initiated many projects, including those I have mentioned.
“However, the opposition, which has been in power from 2023 to the present, has had no meaningful initiatives. I’m sure that is what our people considered and will continue to consider when they made their choice yesterday,” he said.
Meanwhile, some opposition members who spoke to Vhayeya.com criticized the party’s candidate selection process, which was by consensus, and saw a group of 25 people gathered at Emmanuel Punungwe’s house to sidestep Tawanda Muchenje for the CCC Timba party ticket, although reports indicate they will contest as independents.
“We complain about the lack of democracy in ZANU PF, but today I think we’ve proven to be worse. How can we fail to hold elections and adopt a consensus model that puts forward someone who has been losing elections,” cried a well-known CCC member who wished to remain anonymous.
The CCC selection process was overseen by Antony Mutodza, the party’s cluster leader.
Chikomba ZANU PF’s DCC Political Commissar, Cde Owen Matsike, hailed the primary elections and said all focus would be on winning the seat on July 26, rallying the contestants to now focus on achieving victory for ZANU PF in Ward 10.
Story by Senior Reporter
Lovemore Masunungure
