The ruling Zanu-PF party has already bagged four local government seats before the July 30 harmonised elections after the opposition failed to field candidates in four constituencies. However, there have been reports that in Matobo, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) disqualified three MDC Alliance candidates because they were in the wrong wards. Said former cabinet minister, David Coltart,
I have just been notified that ZANU-PF has won 3 council seats in Matobo N because the MDC Alliance candidates were disqualified for “being in the wrong wards”. If true this is precisely why possession of the roll was needed PRIOR to nomination day.
The four constituencies are:
Beitbridge Ward 13: Sibongile Chauke
Matobo North Wards 22: Tobias Sibanda
Matobo North Ward 23: Thomas Ncube
Matobo North Ward 24: Paul Ncube
In an interview, Taruvinga said:
They (MDC Alliance) fumbled a lot and couldn’t field a candidate. Their factional fights show that they are not united and this is why they even failed to have a candidate contesting. Even in their presence . . . I felt no threat as I know that the people of our constituency will rally behind us. Now is the time to work and rebuild our country. Together we can, divided we fall
More: Sunday News