Those disqualified include Midlands State University lecturer Ishmael Jeko, who was eyeing the Chirumanzu-Zibangwe constituency currently held by Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Senzeni Mpofu and barrister Leo Mudisi who wanted to stand in the Vungu and Zvishavane-Ngezi constituencies respectively.
According to sources, the NEC felt that Jeko could have been planted by Mnangagwa’s intelligence apparatus as he has previously benefited from Zanu (PF) programmes like the land “reform” exercise. Mnangagwa is a former State Security Minister who headed the Central Intelligence Organisation during the bloody Gukarahundi era.
Deputy Local Government Minister Sessil Zvidzai has been given the green light to challenge incumbent Gweru Urban MP Rodrick Rutsvara, who is also the party’s provincial treasurer.
Provincial Information and Communication Technology secretary Bornface Ncube wants Mkoba constituency presently held by Amos Chibaya, the Secretary for Water in the NEC.
President of the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe Takavafira Zhou will face off with top party officials Lewelin Sibanda and Cleopas Shiri in the restive Mberengwa North constituency previously held by the late Zanu (PF) intelligence operative Jabulani Mangena.
Sibanda is the MDC-T Midlands secretary. Shiri is a stoic MDC-T official who reported in 2010 that the CIO had tortured him him using the electric shock method on allegations that he had distributed subversive material. Michel Timveous, husband to provincial chairwoman Lilian Timveous, will square off with other senior officials for the Zvishavane-Runde constituency.
Director of Elections Obert Tachi Ncube re-emphasised the party’s position that candidates in constituencies where there are sitting party members should only start campaigning after the confirmation processes have been completed. Secretary General Tendai Biti, in a letter addressed to provincial chairperson Lilian Timvious last month, said sitting MPs had complained that ambitious candidates in their constituencies had started campaigning in breach of the party’s rules.
Post published in: News