Independent candidates haunt Zanu PF, CCC
MASVINGO-The two main political parties, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and Zanu PF are reeling from the same problem after disgruntled cadres successfully filed nomination papers as independent candidates for the August 23 elections.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Masvingo provincial elections officer Zex Pudurai confirmed that Zanu PF and CCC are the only parties that managed to field candidates in all the 26 constituencies of the province.
Zanu PF is faced with a very tricky situation in Gutu West and Gutu East constituencies where disgruntled candidates Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi and George Vhengere successfully filed as independent candidates against the party’s directive.
Rwodzi had his resume withdrawn by the party officials a day before the primary elections in March this year citing a controversial pending disciplinary matter.
Vhengere was told to step aside and pave way for the party’s ‘favourite’ candidate in Gutu East, Benjamin Ganyiwa despite having won the primary elections.
A party insider who preferred anonymity said the filing of the two independent candidates will have a heavy dent on the party as it is likely to split votes in favour of the main opposition, CCC.
The source said this was caused by greedy party bigwigs who were interfering in the primary elections to ensure that their favourite candidates prevail over popular candidates.
“The fact that we have independent candidates from the party rank and file clearly shows that the primary elections were not well handled.
“The party will pay dearly the price of chaotic organisation where it matters most,” said the source.
Rwodzi however pledged allegiance to Zanu PF and had his car branded ‘INDEPENDENT 4ED” after the many Zanu PF affiliates which claim to support President Mnangagwa’s reelection into the hot seat.
As if not to be outdone, the main opposition, CCC had its own share of two senior party cadres going independent in the opposition’s urban strongholds on nomination day.
The two claimed the unique selection process was flowed and secretive and dictated by one person who ended up putting his friends and close relatives.
Masvingo City Mayor Collen Maboke and Chiredzi Town Chairperson Gibson Hwende both successfully filed their candidatures as independents after they fell by the wayside in the internal process despite having garnered more votes than their rivals in the internal nomination process first stage.
During a press conference yesterday Maboke said he chose to be a independent because his name was removed from the party list despite having fared well in the nomination process.
“The party process was flawed and was influenced by the party leadership who are biased and arm-twisted it in favour of their preferred candidates, I could not take such abuse and disrespect of the electorate that is why I chose to stand as an independent,” said Maboke.
The decision by Maboke and Hwende is likely to divide votes against CCC’s official candidates, Martin Mureri and Ropafadzo Makamure in Masvingo Urban and Chiredzi Central respectively which will cost the party dearly and benefit the ruling party.
Great Zimbabwe University political lecturer, Professor Fidelis Duri said the method used by CCC to select candidates mainly contributed to the chaos that visited the main opposition resulting in some candidates opting to contest as independent.
“This is catastrophic for the main opposition as it will result in them losing the elections dashing the people hopes who were banking on it to win the next elections.
“The final list of approved candidates was only known on the final day and this was a big blunder as the losing candidates had no time to heal and this may mark the downfall of the opposition party,” said Prof Duri.
Dr Takavafira Zhou said people who contest as independent candidates are normally greedy and self centered individuals who take politics as a career.
He said the focus should not be on positions but should be on how to fulfill the promises of the liberation struggle and ensure a better livelihood for all Zimbabweans.
“I would like to describe all people who filed as independent candidates as career politicians who have lost focus but are being driven by greed and selfish desires,” said Zhou.
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