Gweru (New Ziana) -Interesting duels are lined up in the Zanu PF Midlands province primaries as some party heavy weights will square off against a number of challengers.
Political analysts have said the primary elections underline Zanu PF’ seriousness ahead of the harmonized elections in August after the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change said its candidates would be chosen by communities through a consensus candidate selection process.
Former State Security Minister who is incumbent Gokwe-Kana legislator Owen “Mudha” Ncube, Gokwe Mapfungautsi’s Tawanda Karikoga and Gokwe-Nembudziya’s Justice Wadyajena will represent the revolutionary party in this year’s harmonized elections as they are uncontested in the primaries.
Kwekwe Central, the home of many fierce battles in the past, will have old rivals Kandros Mugabe and Energy Ncube in contention once again while John Mapurazi, who lost to Citizens Coalition for Change candidate Judith Tobaiwa in the March 31 by-election last year is the third candidate.
Mbizo Constituency will have a four-horse race between Vongaishe Mupereri, Moses Murada, Assam Musa and youth leader Tapiwa Muto while in Silobela constituency incumbent legislator Manoki Mthokozisi Mpofu faces serious challenge from provincial youth member Jonah Nyevera.
In Chirumanzu –Zibagwe constituency, Zibangwe Rural District Council chairperson Rodgers Nhari has put up his name and will contest incumbent Prosper Machando while in Vungu, seating legislator Omega Sibanda will face Brown Ndlovu who in the past contested in Chiundura and finds himself in Vungu due to delimitation changes.
Gweru Urban will see party provincial spokesperson Victor Maride contesting Alex Mukwembi, Esau Natare, Zezai Makomo, Costain Mukanganiki and Elaga Tinarwo.
New Ziana
