Zanu-PF Primary Elections : Influential Party Members Lose Seats
Zanu-PF held its primary elections over the weekend after postponing them earlier. However, the party experienced some unexpected losses, as several notable members failed to secure their seats for the upcoming elections. Some of these party members have expressed their intention to challenge the results.
Reports indicate that influential members of Zanu-PF, such as Phillip Chiyangwa, Simbauneta Mudarikwa, Webster Shamhu, and Kindness Paradza, lost their bids in the primary elections.
Here are some notable Zanu-PF members who were defeated in the primaries:
Sekai Nzenza
Minister of Industry and Commerce Sekai Nzenza lost her bid to represent Zanu-PF in the Chikomba East constituency to her cabinet colleague Felix Mhona, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.
Joseph Chinotimba
Despite being a seasoned politician and the incumbent legislator for Buhera South, Joseph Chinotimba was defeated by Ngonidzashe Mudekunye in his bid to represent Zanu-PF in the constituency.
Justice Mayor Wadyajena
Justice Mayor Wadyajena lost his bid to represent Zanu-PF in the Gokwe Nembudziya constituency to Flora Buka, the former Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office. Wadyajena claimed on Twitter that Buka had celebrated her win prematurely, as Zanu-PF supporters in Gokwe Nembudziya were still voting.
Fortune Chasi
Former Minister of Energy and Power Development Fortune Chasi, also known as Chibabest, lost to Nobert Mazungunye in the Mazowe South constituency. Chasi graciously accepted his defeat on Twitter.
John Mangwiro
Former Studio 263 actress Tatenda Mavetera defeated Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care John Mangwiro in the Zanu-PF primary elections for the Chikomba West constituency. Mangwiro is the incumbent legislator for Chikomba West.
Dexter Nduna
Last Chigavazira won the Chegutu West constituency primary elections, defeating incumbent legislator Dexter Nduna. Nduna accused his opponent of using violent tactics during the voting process.
Mary Mliswa
Minister of State for Mashonaland West Province Mary Mliswa Chikoka lost her bid to represent Zanu-PF in Hurungwe West. Her brother Temba Mliswa, an independent politician, claimed on Twitter that the election was rigged.