Harare, Zimbabwe – Five candidates successfully filed their nomination papers to contest in upcoming by-elections scheduled for April 27, 2024. These by-elections aim to fill vacancies left by two former opposition legislators, Fadzayi Mahere and Rusty Markham, who resigned after their leader Nelson Chamisa quit his party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Mahere previously represented the Mt Pleasant constituency, while Markham served Harare East.
The nomination process concluded at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, with the Nomination Court extending its session until 8:00 PM to accommodate the backlog from a busy day of submissions.
Candidates and Aspirations
Among those who successfully filed their nominations are independent candidate Mamuse Nason, and Zanu PF candidates George Mashavave and Kiven Mutimbanyoka. Brian Ticky and Ropafadzo Cynthia Cheza, both independents, also secured their spots on the ballot.
However, David Chitimbe, representing the little-known political party Changu Chimuti Chakapinda Chapinda (CCCC), was disqualified for failing to pay the required nomination fee of US$1,000. Chitimbe expressed his intent to bring change to Harare East if elected, criticizing previous lawmakers for neglecting the constituency. He reportedly attempted to raise the funds after his initial rejection but was unsuccessful.
Campaign Promises Take Shape
Mashavave, the Zanu PF candidate for Mt Pleasant, exuded confidence, declaring himself the victor before the race even began. His priorities include sanitation improvements and revising outdated local authority bylaws.
“There are a lot of things to be fixed but the most important thing I will prioritize is to ensure that my constituency becomes a clean one and gives people a good life.
“We cannot be using Ian Smith by-laws in this age and time. We need to amend Local Authority laws and move with time,” he said.
Cheza said her biggest dream is to eradicate substance abuse in Harare East.
“Drug abuse has long been a major problem in my constituency. I want this to be fixed, to set a rehabilitation center in my constituency and fight drug abuse,” she said.
Cheza, vying for the Harare East seat, identified substance abuse as a critical concern in her constituency, pledging to establish rehabilitation centers and fight the issue head-on.
All interviewed candidates commended the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for conducting a smooth and efficient nomination process. This transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust in the upcoming by-elections.
A Race to Watch
With just over a month until election day, the race for the vacant Harare parliamentary seats is heating up. The diverse field of candidates, representing both established parties and independents, offers voters a range of choices. The coming weeks will likely see a flurry of campaigning as candidates reach out to voters and outline their visions for the future of Harare.
Source: New Zimbabwe
