ZANU PF has been thrown into a deep political cesspit after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) dismissed its quest to nullify Munyaradzi Kereke’s candidature for Bikita West constituency where he is challenging the party’s preferred candidate Elias Musakwa.
REPORT BY WONAI MASVINGISE
In a letter dated July 4 and addressed to Zanu PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo, Zec chairperson Justice Rita Makarau said the party had no legal muscle to withdraw Kereke’s candidature without his consent.
Zanu PF last week wrote to Zec withdrawing its support for Kereke. It told Zec that it was backing Musakwa.
Part of Makarau’s letter reads: “I wish to advise that the contents of your said letter have been referred to Dr Kereke who has declined to give his consent to the proposed change in his status as a Zanu PF candidate.
“In the absence of consent on the part of Dr Kereke, I regret to advise that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission lacks legal authority to effect the changes that you seek.”
Last month, Zanu PF’s politburo is said to have rejected Kereke’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) saying it preferred Musakwa as he was better qualified to represent the party. Khaya-Moyo yesterday declined to comment on the matter, referring all questions to party spokesperson Rugare Gumbo.
However, Gumbo was unreachable.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Over the past few years, Kereke has courted controversy after he engaged in a public spat with his former employer Reserve Bank Governor, Gideon Gono.
