Makoni humiliated as Zanu PF rejects his bid for MP

Makoni humiliated as Zanu PF rejects his bid for MP

ZANU PF MAN: Simba Makoni humiliated

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By Lebo Nkatazo

ZIMBABWE’S former finance minister Dr Simba Makoni has been humiliated by his Zanu PF party after being barred from contesting primary elections in his home turf of Manicaland.

Makoni wanted to challenge for Makoni Central against Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, but he has now been told he submitted his CV late and will not be considered.

Makoni will sharply feel the snub personally after deciding against challenging President Robert Mugabe in elections due in March.

For months, Makoni was courted by President Mugabe’s rivals looking to open up fissures in Zanu PF by sponsoring defections.

Makoni is said to have met Mugabe two weeks ago, shortly followed by his submission of his CV.

Zanu PF’s Manicaland provincial spokesman Kenneth Saruchera said: “Makoni submitted his CV after the cut-off date and was disqualified.”

Meanwhile several ministers and sitting MPs are likely to lose their seats in on-going Zanu PF primary elections, Zanu PF’s political commissar Elliot Manyika revealed Monday.

"There are indications that there will be shocks in some areas. Some provinces are through with the primary elections while others are still to complete the exercise," Manyika said.

"We will be announcing election results starting from Tuesday. We will be making them public because we have nothing to hide. We want it to be clear to everyone that democracy thrives in our party."

The state-run Herald newspaper said at least three ministers had lost their seats in Mashonaland East province.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Aeneas Chigwedere (Hwedza), Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi (Marondera East), Youth Minister Ambrose Mutinhiri (Marondera West), Health Minister David Parirenyatwa (Murehwa North) and Science Minister Olivia Muchena (Mutoko South) are the possible victims of the Zanu PF primaries.

Musician Elias Musakwa pulled an upset in Bikita South, upstaging sitting MP Claudious Makova while in Bikita East the incumbent Kennedy Matimba lost to former MP Walter Mutsauri.

Elections in Bulawayo were postponed last Friday after violent clashes between rival factions.
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