FARAI CHITOTOMBE
MASVINGO CITY– The long wait is finally over! Candidates for the much-awaited Gutu West Constituency were nominated at Masvingo Magistrates Court yesterday.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission led the proceedings in preparation for the November 11 by election.
The Emmerson Mnangagwa-led ZANU PF fielded John Paradza (32) while CCC led by Nelson Chamisa settled for Morudu Ephraem (62). Kurwa Robson (41) will represent NCA led by Lovemore Madhuku and one independent candidate Mudzingwa Martin Sebastine (69).
The nomination process went well, calm and peaceful although there was a late filing of papers from NCA’s Kurwa and independent candidate Mudzingwa.
“We managed to finish the process in time and the process was smooth. With that kind of an environment, I think we are more than ready for elections,” said Kurwa.
ZEC Provincial head, Zex Pudurai said the process went on well without any incident.
“The nomination court was flawless as the candidates came on time to file their papers. Tomorrow we are going to meet the candidates and their chief election officers so that we can discuss the way forward,” said Pudurai.
The Gutu West Constituency was not filled during the harmonised elections following the death of one of the contesting candidates, Mutonhori Christopher Rwodzi in a suspicious car crash in Chivhu a month before the general plebiscite.
According to the law if a candidate dies after the nomination court has set, the seat is left vacant and there will be a by election on a later date.