News / National
MDC-T sitting MPs face stern test from aspiring candidates
08 Apr 2013 at 19:30hrs | Views
Incumbent legislators from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC-T party face a stern test from aspiring MPs in party primary elections following completion of the vetting exercise last week.
The MDC-T national council last week approved some new entrants into the race, setting the stage for a showdown between the old guard and the party's "Young Turks" in what promises to be hotly-contested primary elections.
Notable MPs from the province who will sweat it out this time with fellow party cadres include Masvingo Urban MP Tongai Matutu, Gutu Central MP and Masvingo MDC-T provincial youth chair Oliver Chirume, Zaka Central MP Harrison Mudzuri and Chiredzi West's Moses Mare. Matutu, who has not faced any challenge after taking over from Masvingo Urban MDC-T MP Silas Mangono in 2005 is being challenged by a Masvingo City Council employee Bornface Mazarire.
Masvingo Central MP Jeffreyson Chitando reportedly chickened out of the constituency after facing stiff challenge and is now eyeing a senatorial seat. But Chitando yesterday denied reports that he had developed cold feet, saying he wanted to move a "gear up politically".
His constituency will be contested by Allan Moyo, Mercy Nyongore and Hardlife Janyure.
Chirume who beat Zanu PF's Lovemore Matuke in the 2008 polls faces stiff challenge from Lloyd Mupfudze, a Midlands State University graduate.
In Chiredzi, Mare faces four contestants vying for his seat.
These are Ward 3 councillor Stanley Temba, Lovemore Mugwambami, Damascus Musa and Hardlife Zivave. Maramwidze Hamandishe of Gutu North is being challenged by Henrica Takaona and Harare-based medical Doctor Tichinani Mavetera while Zaka Central's Mudzuri is being challenged by Paul Urayai.
Masvingo West MP Tichaona Chiminya Mharadze will square off with Harare businessman Takanyi Mureyi, while long serving MDC-T member and Gutu East MP Rensome Makamure also faces a good run for his money from Beria Musimudziwa, a businessman in his own backyard.
Party insiders say most sitting MPs were being accused of complacency and failing to account for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations.
Mudzuri shrugged off claims that most sitting MPs were quacking in their boots following the challenge, saying they were up to the challenge.
"There is no stiff competition that is democracy at work. That is the party procedure which every sitting MP knew about and they served their constituencies well knowing that there are people who will also contest against them. It is just that sitting MPs set the precedence in 2008 and many people now want to contest for seats," Mudzuri said.
The MDC-T national council last week approved some new entrants into the race, setting the stage for a showdown between the old guard and the party's "Young Turks" in what promises to be hotly-contested primary elections.
Notable MPs from the province who will sweat it out this time with fellow party cadres include Masvingo Urban MP Tongai Matutu, Gutu Central MP and Masvingo MDC-T provincial youth chair Oliver Chirume, Zaka Central MP Harrison Mudzuri and Chiredzi West's Moses Mare. Matutu, who has not faced any challenge after taking over from Masvingo Urban MDC-T MP Silas Mangono in 2005 is being challenged by a Masvingo City Council employee Bornface Mazarire.
Masvingo Central MP Jeffreyson Chitando reportedly chickened out of the constituency after facing stiff challenge and is now eyeing a senatorial seat. But Chitando yesterday denied reports that he had developed cold feet, saying he wanted to move a "gear up politically".
His constituency will be contested by Allan Moyo, Mercy Nyongore and Hardlife Janyure.
Chirume who beat Zanu PF's Lovemore Matuke in the 2008 polls faces stiff challenge from Lloyd Mupfudze, a Midlands State University graduate.
These are Ward 3 councillor Stanley Temba, Lovemore Mugwambami, Damascus Musa and Hardlife Zivave. Maramwidze Hamandishe of Gutu North is being challenged by Henrica Takaona and Harare-based medical Doctor Tichinani Mavetera while Zaka Central's Mudzuri is being challenged by Paul Urayai.
Masvingo West MP Tichaona Chiminya Mharadze will square off with Harare businessman Takanyi Mureyi, while long serving MDC-T member and Gutu East MP Rensome Makamure also faces a good run for his money from Beria Musimudziwa, a businessman in his own backyard.
Party insiders say most sitting MPs were being accused of complacency and failing to account for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations.
Mudzuri shrugged off claims that most sitting MPs were quacking in their boots following the challenge, saying they were up to the challenge.
"There is no stiff competition that is democracy at work. That is the party procedure which every sitting MP knew about and they served their constituencies well knowing that there are people who will also contest against them. It is just that sitting MPs set the precedence in 2008 and many people now want to contest for seats," Mudzuri said.
Source - newsday
