MDC has started its candidate selection for aspiring councillors and legislators as preparations for this year’s harmonised elections gather momentum.
Report by Nqobile Bhebhe Senior Reporter
Party cadres started submitting their nomination papers for consideration in the primary elections on Monday, with the process expected to run until February 14.
All party provinces received communication from the secretary-general’s office, Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga this week granting them clearance to initiate the process.
Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Edwin Ndlovu confirmed receiving the circular.
“Yes, it’s true that we have opened up applications for aspiring candidates from councillors, Members of Parliament and senators countrywide,” he said.
“The process began on January 14 and closes on February 14 and as a province we urge our members to make submissions on time.”
Ndlovu added that aspiring candidates “should not rush to eye parliamentary seats at the expense of local authorities”.
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The MDC has indicated that it would field its leader Welshman Ncube as presidential candidate to square off against President Robert Mugabe of Zanu PF and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai of MDC-T.
According to sources, the circular states that aspiring candidates should have been party members for a period of not less than five years, submit education qualifications and produce membership cards for verification.
Candidates would be screened and if there are two or more people vying for a single seat, consensus would have to be reached.
If that fails, primary elections would be conducted.
“For now it’s difficult to say if seating councillors, senators or MPs are being challenged.
“Certainly that would be clear after the whole process is concluded,” said an MDC source. Early this week, there were reports that party youths had expressed interest in parliamentary and council seats.
MDC youth secretary-general Discent Bajila is seeking to wrest the Matobo South constituency from incumbent MDC-T legislator Gabriel Ndebele.
MDC chairperson Gideon Mandaza is reportedly eyeing Zengeza. Treasurer-general Godwin Masiya wants to stand in Zaka West and deputy national organiser Celani Ncube is eyeing the Lupane seat.
The youth assembly secretary for recruitment, Kudakwashe Munengiwa, has shown interest in Mkoba, while the secretary for mobilisation, Thokozani Sileya, is eyeing a seat in Nkayi. Youth chairman for Masvingo province Vincent Makombedze is reported to have set his sights on the Gutu South constituency.
