MDC-T primaries kicks off tomorrow

MDC-T heavyweights' political careers are hanging by the thread after it emerged yesterday most of them will have to stave off stiff challenges during the party's parliamentary primary elections kicking off countrywide tomorrow.

Party standing and national executive committee members, including Giles Mutsekwa (Dangamvura-Chikanga MP), Jessie Majome (Harare West MP), Tapiwa Mashakada (Hatfield MP), Elias Mudzuri (Warren Park MP), chief whip Innocent Gonese (Mutare Central MP), Lucia Matibenga (Kuwadzana MP), Paurina Mpariwa (Mufakose MP), Samuel Sipepa Nkomo (Lobengula MP), will fight for their survival in tomorrow's internal race, Newsday reported.

Four candidates will challenge party deputy organising secretary Abedinico Bhebhe for the Nkayi South seat, while three others will fight it out with Youth Assembly president Solomon Madzore to represent the party in Dzivarasekwa to replace Evelyn Masaiti who is not seeking re-election.

However, National organising secretary Nelson Chamisa is safe in Kuwadzana East together with party secretary-general Tendai Biti (Harare East), foreign affairs secretary Jameson Timba (Mount Pleasant) and party spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora (Nyanga North), among others.

Mudzuri will face stiff challenge from Paddington Japajapa and Mashakada will fight it out against an unidentified female candidate, while Mutsekwa will face lawyer Arnold Tsunga and human rights activist Farai Aritura.

In Dzivarasekwa, Madzore will face Aleck Masomere and Matibenga will fight it out against Fatima Madamombe in Kuwadzana,while Angeline Chimanga and Mavis Java will wrestle Mpariwa in Mufakose.