Zanu PF routs MDC in Chitungwiza

Zanu PF routs MDC in Chitungwiza

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By Lebo Nkatazo

ZIMBABWE'S opposition Movement for Democratic Change party's warring factions have lost two council ward seats previously held by the party’s candidates in the opposition stronghold of Chitungwiza.

Observers attributed the defeats to the current squabbles in the party, which were triggered by the question of whether to participate or boycott the Senatorial elections held on November 26 last year.

The MDC anti and pro-Senate camps had fielded candidates for the two Chitungwiza seats won by Zanu PF at the weekend.

In Chitungwiza’s ward 20 the ruling party’s Tichaona Chapfika polled 917 votes against the pro Senate Rangarirai Mutingwende’s 257 and the anti Senate’s Appronia Choruwa who garnered 212 respectively.

The ward 20 seat fell vacant following the death of MDC chitungwiza deputy mayor Lovemore Mutamba early last year.

In another ward which fell vacant following the resignation from council of Goodrich Chimbaira following his election as Zengeza MP, the pro Senate faction’s candidate, Tendai Chakanyuka lost to Zanu PF’s Emmanuel Gomo.

Chimbaira is also Chitungwiza provincial chairman in the opposition faction led by MDC secretary general Welshman Ncube and vice president, Gibson Sibanda.

The anti senate faction’s candidate was disqualified after the Nomination Court ruled that his papers were not in order.

In the other three wards, Zanu PF’s Martin Mugwanhiri beat Mildred Musandire of the anti senate faction in Kariba urban ward 20 while another ruling party candidate, Marvelous Sibanda won in Matobo rural against an independent candidate.

Zanu PF only lost in Zvishavane Town Council ward 9 where Masocha Mordekai Moyo of the Morgan Tsvangirai faction emerged victorious.
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