BUSINESS at the MDC-T provincial offices in Chinhoyi was briefly
grounded last week, after more than 50 disgruntled members blocked the
main gate in protest over alleged imposition of candidates to contest
this year’s primary elections.
The party members were demanding to meet MDC-T provincial chairperson, Ralph Magunje.
“We are sick and tired of provincial leaders who corruptly bring
their Johnny-come-lately cronies to represent the party ahead of genuine
members because they don’t have money to grease their palms,” an MDC-T
activist, who declined to be named for fear of victimisation, said.
Magunje initially accused the protesting members of failing to
understand the party policies and candidates’ selection criteria, but
later disowned the group as non-MDC-T members.
“There was a misunderstanding among the members about the party
position on elections. Some individuals pretended not to understand the
youth, women, disabled and war veterans quota system and cause mayhem
at the party office. We are going to deal with the culprits who want to
tarnish the image of the party,” he said.
But the protestors vowed to continue with the demonstrations
until the matter has been resolved by the party’s national executive,
claiming the provincial executives was corrupt.
The party experienced similar protests at its headquarters in
Harare two weeks ago, although MDC-T leader, Nelson Chamisa’s
spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka, chose to downplay the incident.
On Saturday, MDC-T primary elections in Marondera Central were
rocked by violence after one of the candidates was reportedly found in
possession of more than 20 ballot papers among other irregularities,
resulting in the process being postponed to yesterday.
Tempers reportedly flared in ward 4 after one of the contestants was found in possession of ballot papers.
MDC-T Mashonaland East provincial vice organising secretary, Bornface Tagwirei confirmed the incident.
“It is true. The voting process was postponed to Sunday
(yesterday) after he was caught writing about 28 ballot papers. We are
going to sit down and deliberate on the issue and see what measures are
to be taken to deal with such behaviour,” he said.
By yesterday, United Kingdom returnee Caston Matewo was likely to clinch the victory as he was leading in seven of the 12 wards.
Matewo was contesting alongside South Africa-based engineer,
Joseph Mphokosera, Marondera district organising secretary, Witness
Muzawazi and Masimba Ruzvidzo. Matewo is seeking to replace Ian Kay, who
resigned from politics.
He will face Zanu PF ‘s Cleopas Kundiona come July elections. In ward 1, Marondera district chairperson, Chengetai Murova
emerged the winner while incumbent councilors Tagwirei and Dominic
Matangira were also victorius. Newsday
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