Zanu-PF's Pemhanayi steps aside for Madiro

Published: 20 July 2018

INCUMBENT Zanu-PF legislator for Mutare North Batsirai Pemhenayi has withdrawn his candidacy as an independent contestant.

Pemhenayi had filled his papers as an independent candidate following an acrimonious fallout over the manner he lost the primary election to Mike Madiro.

The sitting legislator had petitioned the party's National Electorate Directorate to nullify the results citing a raft of irregularities, but the organ could not grant his wish to order a rerun.

His withdrawal means there are five candidates left in the Mutare North race.

The withdrawal was made a fortnight ago before the printing of ballot papers and was confirmed and publicised by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

The five candidates are Mike Madiro (Zanu-PF), Mr Agrippa Masiyakurima Bopela (New Patriotic Front), Mrs Makai Maudy Ngonidzashe (Zimbabwe Partnership for Prosperity), Mr Pedigree Matara (People's Rainbow Coalition) and Mr Godfrey Munyamana (MDC Alliance).

Though Pemhenayi was not readily available for a comment on the development, Zanu-PF Manicaland secretary for administration Kenneth Saruchera confirmed his withdrawal.

"Yes, it is true that he withdrew his candidacy as an independent candidate in Mutare North. This is all I can say for now," said Saruchera.

Saruchera could not say whether Pemhenayi withdrew after persuasion by the party's healing team led by Mike Nyambuya.

"Yes, we had an official healing team led by Nyambuya which was engaging candidates across the province.

"Nyambuya is the best person to tell you where they were successful or not. They were engaging people individually and they can tell you what he was saying when they engaged him," said Saruchera.

Nyambuya could not be reached for a comment by the time of going to print as his mobile number was unreachable
- manicapost

Tags: Zanu-PF,