The party opened its selection process for all aspiring candidates early this year with a deadline of January 31. Other political parties are still kick-starting their primary election processes. A document listing aspiring party candidates in possession of The Zimbabwean shows that out of 19 members who want to stand as councillors, 16 are youths.
Provincial gender representative for youths, Nyaradzo Madzikura, has filed her papers to represent the party in Ward 9, won by expelled mayor Chimombe in 2008. The embattled city father has since indicated that he has joined the new United Movement for Democracy party led by South African based businessman Mutumwa Mawere, where he is tipped to be first national chairman.
Martin Chivhoko, the youths home affairs secretary,wants ward 17; Wonderful Marange (ward 15) Charles Machaingira (ward 14) Gibson Chibaya (ward 13) Gibson Muzondori (ward 12) Tawanda Magidi (ward 16) Moses Mikaile (ward 8) and Simbarashe Madziyembesa (ward 6) are among the aspiring youths.
Youth treasurer Livingstone Chiminya has shown interest in the Chiwundura parliamentary seat, while Nyasha Mkhahlera and Gibert Shangwa are eyeing Gweru urban and Chirumanzu South constituencies respectively.
“We hold the future and so we should start now preparing for it so that we have a better country,” said Cornelias Silipiwe, the provincial youths spokesperson, adding the local council needs fresh blood to rise above the bad image painted by the current crop of councillors.
Solomon Madzore, the Youths Assembly chair, said while the young can grab as many seats as possible in urban councils, his organ was demanding 30 percent representation in Parliament.
Post published in: News