Mthuli Ncube excluded from Zanu PF primaries

Zanu-PF is set to hold its primary elections tomorrow to select candidates who will represent the ruling party in the upcoming by-elections on December 9. Mthuli Ncube who lost the Cowdray Park parliamentary constituency seat in Bulawayo in the recently held plebiscite has been excluded from Zanu PF primaries.

These by-elections were triggered by the recall of 15 CCC legislators by the opposition party's interim secretary-general, Mr. Sengezo Tshabangu, last month. Consequently, President Mnangagwa proclaimed the date for the by-elections in accordance with the Electoral Act.

The nine vacant constituencies where Zanu-PF will hold primaries are: Beitbridge West, Binga North, Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park, Lobengula-Magwegwe, Lupane East, Mabvuku-Tafara, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi, and Nketa.

Addressing a press conference in Bulawayo, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Mike Bimha stated that the ruling party is well-prepared for the primary elections and subsequent by-elections. He explained that the primary elections would be conducted at Ward Centres, which will also serve as polling stations. Ballot materials, polling officers, and presiding officers will be provided by the Zanu-PF headquarters.

Bimha emphasized that Zanu-PF had been ready for the by-elections even before the date was proclaimed, highlighting the party's strong and well-organized structures.

He also announced the constituencies and the aspiring candidates who will compete in the primary elections. For Cowdray Park in Bulawayo Province, the candidates are Eddington Mpofu, Tholakele Ndlovu, Japhet Phuti, Arthur Mujeyi, and Tripod Muyengwa.

In Mpopoma-Mzilikazi constituency, also under Bulawayo Province, the candidates are Admire Masikati, Dzingai Kamamba, Nehemiah Tsoliwa, and Violet Mhute.

In Lobengula-Magwegwe constituency, the candidates are Godwin Mugumba, Butholezwe Ndlovu, Enock Madzimure, and Menziwa Dube.

In Lupane East constituency, the candidates are Thubelihle Nkomazana, Phathisiswe Masanu-Dube, Mbongeni Dube, and Dumaza Moyo. There will be no primary elections in Bulawayo South and Nketa.

In Harare province, there will also be no primary elections in Mabvuku-Tafara and Binga North in Matabeleland North.