Mafa leads Zanu PF election race

Comment & Analysis
BY NUNURAI JENAZANU PF factions were by last night still battling for the control of Mashonaland West province with unconfirmed reports saying John Mafa was leading in elections to chose a new provincial chairman.

Sources told The Standard that Mafa, who is a former provincial chairman, had won in Chegutu, Kariba and was leading in Kadoma ahead of his three rivals; acting chairman, Reuben Marumahoko, Zvimba South Legislator, Walter Chidakwa and war veteran Moffat Marashwa.

The party’s politburo member Olivia Muchena, who was presiding over the elections last night, said that results were not yet out as voting and counting was still ongoing by 7pm.

“I am in the middle of overseeing the elections now, but everything has gone on well so far,” she said. There were still five districts to fight for, namely Hurungwe, Makonde, Zvimba, Chegutu and Kadoma.

Zanu PF sources likened the election to a referendum on which faction was more popular among the three in the province. Marumahoko is said to be backed by the party’s national political commissar, Webster Shamu, with Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Ignatius Chombo supporting Chidakwa. Mafa is said to be backed by politburo member Nathan Shamuyarira and businessman Phillip Chiyangwa, who was barred from contesting.