11 vie for Mashonaland East constituency

At least 11 candidates have declared their interest to represent Zanu-PF in Marondera Central constituency after they submitted their curriculum vitae to contest the seat left vacant following the recent expulsion of Ray Kaukonde by the party's Politburo.

Messrs Kaukonde, David Butau (Mbire) and Kudakwashe Bhasikiti (Mwenezi East) lost their parliamentary seats after they were fired from Zanu-PF for their alleged link to former Vice President Mujuru.

The Zanu-PF Mashonaland East provincial election directorate is expected to meet today to decide a date for primary elections in the constituency.

Mashonaland East provincial chairperson, Aeneas Chigwedere confirmed that 11 candidates had shown interest in the constituency but could not divulge their names.

"The names are on my desk right now. We gave them yesterday as the deadline. We will be meeting tomorrow as the election directorate. That is when we will tell you their names," said Chigwedere.

Sources said the candidates include Jerry Gotora, apostolic leader Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru, educationist Mr Cleopas Kundiona, former Marondera mayor Ralph Chimanikire, Harold Gamu, Douglas Chitekuteku and David Taruvinga.

Others in the line up are Tamuka Magwenzi, Elson Watyoka, Lucas Chimuka and Michael Matenga.

Chigwedere said primary elections could be held next week.