Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- Three Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) former councillors who were recently recalled from council under political circumstances have successfully filed their papers at the nomination papers, making them eligible for the upcoming by-elections scheduled for December 3.
Speaking after filing papers on November 3 at the nomination court, CCC Midlands province chairperson Josiah Makombe said as a party they were ready to contest and confident of victory.
He added that even if the three candidates win, the party was still lacking in terms of its seating majority in the council as compared to MDC T as the ratio stood at 8 to 9.
“Despite not having the majority we will continue our work and stand our ground to influence decision making processes, as we are representing people’s views.
“Our three candidates have filed their nomination papers and they were successful. We hope to retain our seats with these three councillors who had their work affected by recalls last month.
“We are here for the people so that we finish the job we were tasked to do by residents from 2018. However, if our three candidates win, it doesn’t change any structures within council as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are already there.
“However, in terms of our number, we won’t be having the majority as the majority is with MDC T having nine councillors while the other four are ours,” he said.
Ward 5 councillor Cleopas Shiri, ward 18’s John Manyundwa and Ward 4’s Martin Chivhoko were recalled last month.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has since proclaimed the date with Gweru District Elections Officer Joshua Mhino confirming dates on which ward 4, 5 and 18 by-elections will be held to fill the vacancy created after the recall of former councillors by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora.
“Since more than one candidate has been successfully nominated in wards 4, 5 and 18, a poll shall take place on Saturday December 3, 2022, in accordance with section 125 subsection 4 (b) of the Electoral Act Chapter 2:13 as read with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission notice, published on October 13 and 20, 2022,” he said.
Other three candidates who are also vying for the same seats are Gibson Chingwadza who is contesting for the ward 4, Walter Makwalo running for ward 18 and Kwanisai Mafa for ward 5 all contesting under ZANU PF ticket.
A new party Emmanuel Party which is represented by Leon Nyahwi is vying for ward 5.
Meanwhile ZANU PF District Coordinating Committee Secretary for Information Victor Maride said the party was more than ready to serve its people by addressing the various challenges affecting residents in Gweru.
