MDC Bulawayo provincial marred by violence

Moyo beat Matson Hlalo, sparking an orgy of violence that was only quelled after police intervened.

Police were called in to restore order at the ZCTU offices where the election was held. Scores of youths were critically injured in the intra-party violence. Police cancelled the remaining elections for other posts but from the elections held Saturday, Dorcas Sibanda, the MP for Bulawayo, was elected as deputy chairperson and Reggie Moyo, Luveve MP, bounced back as secretary.

The elections failed to continue on Sunday after police said they did not have enough manpower because of deployments made to the soccer match between Highlanders and Masvingo United that was in the city. Elections officer Fidelis Mhashu said the elections are expected to resume next week.

Hlalo’s camp is disputing the result charging that his supporters from Mpopoma, Pelandaba and Magwegwe were disenfranchised from casting their ballot by the National Committee that presided over the election.

Meanwhile elections in Mashonaland Central were also scuttled over the same issues, with violence plaguing the poll. In Mashonaland Central, the elections were stopped by the police after Godfrey Chimombe had been elected chairperson. The elections are expected to resume next week.

Nine provincial elections were scheduled for the weekend ahead of its Third Main National Congress slotted for Bulawayo at the end of the month under the theme; United, Winning The Peoples Covenant to Real Change.

The MDC said in other provinces the elections went on smoothly with Lilian Timveous being elected the chairperson for Midlands South. Her deputy is Francsico Masendeke and Lewlyn Sibanda is the porvincial secretary. The elections were held at the Midlands Hotel.

In Matebeleland North, Sengezo Tshabangu retained his position as the chairperson with Abednico Bhebhe coming in as the deputy chairperson and Hwange East MP, Gift Mabhena being elected secretary. The elections were held in Lupane.

In Masvingo, Wilstaf Sitemere retained his position as chairperson. The elections were held at Mucheke Stadium.

Results from elections held in Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Matebeleland South and Midlands North were not immediately available.