via Mnangagwa stamps authority in Hre East – New Zimbabwe 16/05/2015
VICE PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed that Terence Mukupe-little known Zanu PF candidate for Harare East- should be the party’s representative in the June 10 by elections ahead of Mavis Gumbo who had the support of the provincial executive.
The decision was ‘sweet victory’ for Saviour Kasukuwere who has been a subject of attacks by party stalwarts for backing Mukupe and puts an end to confusion within the faction ridden organisation.
In an interview with Newzimbabwe.com, Simon Khaya Moyo said Mnangagwa told him that the party had settled for Mukupe ahead of Gumbo-who had the full backing of Ignatious Chombo, the party’s secretary for administration.
“I met the acting president this morning and he told me that the party has settled for Cde Mukupe who won the primary elections. All those complaints against him will be dealt with internally,” Moyo said.
Both Gumbo and Mukupe have been campaigning on a Zanu PF ticket in Harare East which fell vacant following the recalling of Tendai Biti, who was the MP for area, alongside 20 other rebel legislators by the MDC-T.
Mukupe had won the primaries but his bid to stand for the party faced resistance from the provincial executive who wanted Gumbo, Chombo’s ally.
The career banker had to approach the Electoral Court to bar Gumbo from standing as a Zanu PF candidate but Justice Chinembiri Bhunu ruled that both of them should stand in the by-elections, a decision which sparked internal squabbles.
Mukupe told NewZimbabwe.com that he was grateful to Zanu PF for the decision and will work hard to represent the party.
“It is an honour to work for Zanu PF and be given an opportunity to be its representative,” he said.
On the other hand Gumbo accepted the party’s position, saying she will work with Mukupe although she was not happy with the decision.
“If that is what the party said, I will do as directed. But will seek redress from the national leadership,” said Gumbo who is also the spokesperson for the scandal-ridden medical insurer, Premier Service Medical Aid Society.
She is also a former Zimbabwe women’s football boss.
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