The development comes in the wake of jostling by aspiring candidates to endear themselves to the electorate in order to drum up support.
Cases of rampant intra-party campaigns have been rife in Mkoba, Gweru Urban, Shurugwi and Vungu constituencies.
In Mkoba, Bornaface Ncube is challenging incumbent MP Amos Chibaya who is also the MDC-T national secretary for water. Three party heavyweights: Sessil Zvidzayi, who is also the Deputy Local government minister, youth leader, Nyasha Mkhahlera, and sitting MP Rodrick Rutsvara are vying for the Gweru urban seat.
Former ZBC anchor, Ezra Sibanda, and Mark Moyo are battling for the Vungu parliamentary seat while Jacos Manyanga, Munyaradzi Mutandavari and Cosmas Thembo want to represent the Morgan Tsvangirai led party in the next polls.
Last week Ward 4 councilor, Keneth Sithole, sustained injuries when he was severely assaulted during intra-party violence while campaigning for Zvidzai. In a letter addressed to Midlands party chairperson Lilian Timvias, Biti said errant candidates would face suspension. He cited Article 11.3 of the party’s constitution, which gives powers to the National Elections Directorate to disqualify any candidate who breaches the rules for the 2013 elections.
“I strongly urge all structures to educate your membership on the Constitution and the Rules and regulations Guiding Candidate Selection. The Directorate of National Elections shall not hesitate to take swift action against errant candidates,” reads part of the letter.
Biti emphasised that it is wrong for party members to campaign in areas where there are sitting MDC-T MPs and Councillors.
“Any applicant, structure or member of the Party who shall be found campaigning, de-campaigning or lobbying in a constituency or ward where there is a sitting Member of Parliament or Councillor shall be disqualified or suspended from the structure,” says the letter.
Post published in: News