FIREWORKS are expected in the Zvimba North primary elections, with Marian Chombo yesterday confirming that she will challenge ex-husband, Local government minister Ignatious Chombo in the race to represent Zanu PF in the constituency.
BY OUR STAFF
The candidature of Marian turns Zvimba North primaries into a three-horse race between the two Chombos and Edwin Matibiri, a close relative of President Robert Mugabe.
Marian’s spokesperson told The Standard that Chombo’s former wife had made inroads in the constituency held by the Zanu PF politburo member.
He said Marian was already busy campaigning in the constituency and is confident of beating her two opponents.
“Despite spanners being thrown here and there, she is quite popular in the constituency, having worked with the people in the area for a long time while the minister [Chombo]was busy elsewhere,” he said.
The spokesperson, who cannot be named for professional reasons, said Marian was not contesting the seat to spite or get back at her ex-husband, but because of her desire to represent the people in the area.
He said Marian had always been working in the constituency, where she was involved in a number of projects including one for the care of orphans.
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“As a woman and motherly figure, she is prepared to address the problems faced by people in the constituency. She is better known in the constituency than the incumbent who is a busy man,” said Marian’s spokesperson.
He claimed that supporters of Marian were already facing intimidation from some people.
“Some of Marian’s supporters, who are mostly farmers in the district are being threatened with repossession of their land, while others are being told they will not get agricultural support.” Zanu PF primary elections are expected in April, while national polls are due in June or July this year.
The Chombos divorced in September last year after nearly 20 years of marriage. Marian is now a successful poultry farmer in Raffingora. Minister Chombo was not answering his phone yesterday. Matibiri could also not be reached for comment.
