The nomination court proceedings for National Assembly seats in Masvingo, Zimbabwe were marked by chaos and conflict within the opposition CCC (Chamisa-led Movement for Democratic Change) party.
The party members engaged in heated disagreements and nearly resorted to physical altercations outside the court as they disputed the final list of candidates. Meanwhile, the Zanu PF candidates successfully filed their papers for both National Assembly and council elections in the province.
Mayor Councilor Collins Maboke, a member of the CCC party, filed his papers as an independent candidate for the Masvingo Urban National Assembly seat. He officially renounced his membership in the party. Similarly, former Chiredzi council chair Councillor Gibson Hwende reportedly filed papers to contest as an independent candidate in Chiredzi West.
In the Masvingo Urban constituency, Councillor Maboke will be competing against Cde Wellington Mahwende of Zanu PF and Mr Martin Mureri of CCC. In Chiredzi Central, Councillor Hwende will face Cde Francis Moyo of Zanu PF and Ms Ropafadzo Makumire of CCC.
Councillor Maboke explained that he chose to run as an independent candidate because he was disqualified from standing as a CCC candidate without any explanation. He currently considers himself independent and expressed openness to rejoining the CCC under different circumstances in the future.
Some CCC candidates experienced delays in submitting their nomination papers, although some downplayed the situation, stating that the delays were part of a strategic move.
In Gutu Central, journalist and Masvingo Mirror publisher Mr Mathew Takaona successfully filed his papers to represent CCC and will be competing against the incumbent MP, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando. Mr Takaona expressed confidence in his ability to secure victory in the elections.
