MDC-T snubs Moyo, Madzore

MDC-T has sidelined several of its male heavyweights after its national council barred them from contesting in parliamentary constituencies in which they expressed an interest because they are reserved by females.

The officials include Youth Assembly chairperson Mr Solomon Madzore and Bulawayo provincial chairperson Mr Gorden Moyo.

Mr Madzore was eyeing Dzivaresekwa which is being held by Ms Evelyn Masaiti, while Mr Moyo wanted to stand in Makokoba which was won by deputy party president Ms Thokozani Khupe, who is also Deputy Prime Minister.

MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora yesterday said the decision was part of the party's objective to achieve 50-50 gender representation.

Mr Mwonzora said 10 out of 11 female legislators had been challenged by men at the application level.

He said MDC-T women's assembly chairperson Mrs Theresa Makone's Harare North was the only female held constituency that had not been challenged by men.

Ms Khupe and Ms Masaiti did not apply to contest their seats, preferring proportional representation seats for the 60 reserved seats that are provided for in the draft constitution.

In Kadoma Central, seven senior party officials among them three district leaders, two councillors and a ward chairperson were barred from challenging Mrs Editor Matamisa.

Two male district officials who wanted to challenge Ms Jessie Majome in Harare West were also blocked, while a youth treasurer in Bulawayo wanted to challenge Ms Dorcas Sibanda in Bulawayo Central.