The recent ZANU PF primary elections in Gutu East constituency have taken a significant turn, with new candidates emerging to represent the party in upcoming by-elections. The primaries were held amid internal power struggles within the party.
Six candidates contested the Gutu East parliamentary ticket, while three candidates vied for the Ward 10 council seat. Voting took place across 26 district centers, drawing significant attention from party faithful and observers.
The primaries come on the heels of the expulsion of two key allies of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga: former Gutu East legislator Benjamin Ganyiwa and ex-Ward 10 Councillor Jainos Mudonhi. Sources indicate they were expelled for resisting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “ED2030” campaign, which aims to keep him in power until 2030.
The outcome of the primaries is seen as a significant development in the internal power struggle within ZANU PF. The winners will represent the party in upcoming by-elections, whose dates are yet to be officially announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
The newly elected candidates will face off against opposition parties in the by-elections, with the outcome likely to impact the balance of power in Zimbabwe’s parliament.
Party insiders and observers are closely watching the developments, with some speculating about the implications for Mnangagwa’s succession plan and Chiwenga’s ambition
source – zimeye