Zanu-PF closes ranks

ZANU-PF losing candidates in the Chimanimani West by-election yesterday threw their weight behind party candidate Nokuthula Matsikenyere saying they were now focusing on the bigger picture of ensuring a resounding victory for the revolutionary party in the November 26 polls.

Matsikenyere won the right to represent Zanu-PF in primary elections held in September in a by-election called to fill the seat left vacant by Engineer Munacho Mutezo, who was expelled from Zanu-PF for his continued association with Zimbabwe People First leader Dr Joice Mujuru.

The losing candidates in the Zanu-PF primaries were Letina Undenge, Tarsin Dube and John Gwitira.

In an interview, Letina Undenge - wife to Zanu-PF provincial chairperson for Manicaland province, Samuel Undenge –- said the contest was no longer for Matsikenyere alone but was for the party hence the need to put up a united front to retain the seat.

"We are supporting the party and not the candidate. The victory is not for her alone. We have been holding a number of campaign activities together. Once primary elections are over, the fight ceases to belong to one person but is for the whole party. Primary elections are just a process to select a candidate and not a war," said Letina Undenge.

To demonstrate her support for Matsikenyere, Undenge attended a certificate handover ceremony at Wengezi at the weekend where more than 100 villagers were awarded for successfully attending a quail-bird rearing course.

Letina Undenge was accompanied by her husband, who is also Energy and Power Development Minister.

Matsikenyere is expected to square off with three other candidates in the by-election.

Also vying for the seat are Mr Peter Gudyanga (Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe), Mr Edmore Mtetwa (Independent) and Mr Pesanai Musakaruka (National Constitutional Assembly).