ZANU PF member Richard Mavhunga, one of the disgruntled failed representatives of the party who filed nomination papers as independent candidates last week, withdrew his papers after his party ordered him to do so.
Mavhunga was eyeing the Marondera West seat where he was set to lock horns with Retired Brigadier Ambrose Mutinhiri in the primary elections. Our correspondent Jairos Saunyama (ND) this week spoke to Mavhunga (RM) and below are excerpts of the interview.
ND: Why had you made the decision to stand as an independent candidate before you withdrew your candidature? Is it that Mutinhiri was not serving the constituency well? RM: This is politics. The party’s constitution says that people choose who they want to represent them and this is what happened. People approached me and I agreed. Moreover, I am a son from Marondera West and I thought I would represent my people at some point.
ND: And about the disqualification? RM: There was no reason whatsoever for me to be disqualified since I had met all the requirements to contest in the primaries. After I was disqualified, it was pressure from the people in the constituency that saw me filing my nomination papers to stand as an independent candidate.
ND: Now that you have withdrawn, don’t you think that you have betrayed the people? RM: I did not betray the people, but I have deep respect for my superior Sydney Sekeramayi who is also standing as the Senator for Marondera/Wedza constituency.
If I had proceeded as an independent candidate, I was going to dilute votes which would result in him being affected. Moreover, I was caught in between. I had also betrayed the party which I love most and because of these two reasons I thought it wise to withdraw for the benefit of the party.
ND: So, is this the end of your political aspirations? RM: I will participate in the next elections. I will carry on with my projects in the constituency for people to benefit as I wait for the right time. Despite all the ups and downs, I know one day I will get there.
ND: How far have you gone as far as campaigning is concerned? RM: I had covered much ground as far as rural electrification is concerned. Most hospitals and schools in the constituency now have electricity. I did a lot of projects too that are benefiting local people.
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ND: As it stands what are the chances of Zanu PF winning in the constituency come July 31? RM: The current situation calls for an extra effort from everyone, including myself and the others, so that we do not get disappointed by other parties. We need to put our house in order. The opposition parties after hearing that I withdrew from the race celebrated, but there is nothing to celebrate for since I will be campaigning for my party this time.
I will be leading the campaign team for Sekeramayi and the campaign has started. I know that the opposition parties have strong candidates and this is why I said earlier that we need to put extra effort if we want to retain the seat. There is need for a massive campaign in the area.
ND: Are you not campaigning for Brigadier Mutinhiri? RM: I would love to, but he has not approached me so that we work together. It should be like what happened in Goromonzi where (Beatrice) Nyamupinga approached (Energy) Mutodi and they are working together. If they contact me, I will be ready and available to help with the campaign.
ND: Does this mean there is now bad blood between you and Mutinhiri? RM: Of course not. People have misconception on this. I am not fighting or rather we are not fighting each other. As a retired army officer, I have great respect for my superiors, but when it comes to politics the party is more superior. I listened to my party.
ND: What are your last words to the people of Marondera West? RC: I want to tell the people of Marondera West that the constituency is a Zanu PF stronghold and they should rally behind the party of excellence so that we romp to victory.
