The elections were held on Saturday in Mutare and won
resoundingly by the Zanu PF provincial vice-chairperson, Dorothy Mabika, who is
a top ally of Manicaland provincial chairperson Mike Madiro.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, government through the
Health minister and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga suspended by-elections
to fill in vacant seats left by MDC Alliance members of Parliament and
councillors who were recalled by the MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora.
However, the ruling Zanu PF party has continued holding
elections, including the district co-ordination committee (DCC) polls a few
months ago.
During the weekend election in Mutare Mabika defeated five
other candidates including Getrude Mutandi, who is a top ally of Defence
minister Oppah Muchinguri. Mabika
garnered 66 votes, while Mutandi trailed on second position with 39 votes.
Other losing candidates were Manicaland women’s league
chairperson Happiness Nyakuedzwa, former MP Irene Zindi, Judith Mawire and
Sheila Mutsenhu.
Madiro and Muchinguri both claim to control the Zanu PF
Manicaland province. During the DCC
elections, the two political bigwigs fought fiercely.
Zanu PF Manicaland political commissar Gift Kagweda said
the process was done in adherence to all COVID-19 protocols.
“The election went on very well and we adhered to the World
Health Organisation COVID-19 precautionary measures. I can confirm that Dorothy
Mabika won the election,”Kagweda said.
Zanu PF will now forward her name to the Zimbabwe Electoral
Commission (ZEC) as required by the country’s Constitution.
Party acting spokesperson and politburo member, Patrick
Chinamasa and Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa presided over the weekend
election. Newsday
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