Ten candidates for primaries in Kariba

By Tatenda Mabasa

KARIBA – Ten names from both the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Zanu PF were submitted for vetting  for party primaries to select the candidates for elections to elect the MP for Kariba town.

General elections are due later this year. According to MDC-T sources, at least seven party members submitted their names for vetting by the party provincial executive committee in January.

Among those who submitted names are sitting MP Cleopas Machacha, senator John Masaba, Thomas Makwasha, John Houghton, Mavhuradona Chafulatira, Kuda Mandishona and Elson Sefilani.

“Houghton is likely to step down and resubmit as mayoral candidate as there are many people vying for the MP position” said another source who declined to be named. The list could not be verified independently.

MDC-T provincial party spokesperson Big Haurobi refused to comment on the screening process of aspiring candidates both at local council and MPs positions.

“I can confirm that there are many of our members who are gearing themselves to represent the party during elections in councils and constituencies in the province. We have aspiring candidates who include senior party members, Zanu PF defectors, intellectuals, civil society members and youth as well as women assembly officials. We did our part as Provincial Executive committee on CVs submitted on 26 January 2013. We await action from National Executive for further screening. I am not at liberty to reveal the names submitted for vetting as of yet but all I can say is that MDC-T is geared for elections anytime”.

However Zanu PF sources say the party has Gilbert Chibayamagora who is former Nyaminyami rural council chairman and a hospital official identified as Kazuva. There is no selection criteria yet from Zanu PF and some aspiring candidates are campaigning clandestinely.

Former Kariba MP during the 2000 election, Isaac Mackenzie, is preparing for a comeback on a Zanu PF ticket, according to insiders. Mackenzie stands accused of sponsoring a terror campaign team of Zanu PF youths that killed MDC-T supporter Luckson Kanyurira in 2001 in cold blood.

The gang was led by one Muneri Chakwana nicknamed Black Jesus.

“Zanu PF voted itself out here due to terror campaign by the Mackenzie youths and people are against a violent party at all costs” said a fisherman who refused to be named for fear of victimisation.

MDC claims 200 of its supporters were killed during the 2008 June presidential elections after Mugabe lost to Tsvangirai. A run off election engineered by Mugabe’s regime saw Tsvangirai pulling out due to the violence and murder.

Zimbabweans are bracing themselves for a referendum that will chart a way forward for elections to be held later this year. Nehanda Radio