TWO Zanu PF candidates who had earlier on submitted CVs to contest in the Chirumanzu-Zibagwe constituency, yesterday withdrew their candidature to pave way for Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wife Auxillia as the sole candidate for the seat.
Stephen Chadenga OWN CORRESPONDENT
Auxillia submitted her CV to contest the Chirumanzu-Zibagwe constituency which fell vacant after the elevation of her husband to the vice-presidency.
The two candidates who had shown interest are Violet Nhari, who is the provincial commissar in the women’s league and Erasmus Jaya, deputy national secretary for transport and social welfare in the party’s youth wing.
Addressing journalists after a provincial electoral directorate (PED) meeting at the Zanu PF Gweru convention centre yesterday, party provincial spokesperson Cornelius Mpereri confirmed the withdrawal of the two candidates.
“There were three CVs that came through, one belonging to Cde Violet Nhari, the other one from Cde Erasmus Jaya and the third one from Cde Auxillia Mnangagwa,” he said.
“Before sitting as the electoral directorate, two Cdes withdrew. As an organised province we always do our things in an organised manner.”
Mpereri said the two indicated they had pulled out because they respected Auxillia.
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“They said they respected Auxillia to take over, as the constituency is big and it borders Mashonaland West, Chikomba, Gutu, Chiwundura and Redcliff,” he said.
“They said it needed someone who had capacity to make sure development projects, which had been initiated by the VP could be continued.”
Mpereri said Auxillia was seen as the only person in the province who had the capacity to be MP for the constituency.
He said her advantage was that the vice-president would chip in to assist his wife.
“So there is not going to be any primary election in the constituency as the PED has endorsed Auxillia Mnangagwa,” Mpereri said.
Auxillia thanked the two aspiring candidates for withdrawing their candidature, saying her wish to be a legislator had been fulfilled.
“I once went to Mazowe Central aspiring to be an MP, but whatever happened there is now history and I thank God for this opportunity,” she said.
“The vice-president will assist me as he knew very well the projects he was carrying.”
The nomination court will sit next Thursday while the by-elections are set for March 27, though both MDC-T and MDC-Renewal have indicated they will not participate.
