Former Mt Pleasant MP Fadzayi Mahere has categorically rejected Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart’s assertion that she, and former Harare East MP, Allan Norman “Rusty” Markham resigned from Parliament on their own accord.
Mahere and Markham, who were elected MPs for Mt Pleasant and Harare East, respectively, in the August 2023 harmonised elections, resigned from Parliament in solidarity with the party’s former leader Nelson Chamisa who quit the party abruptly on 23 January this year citing “infiltration”.
ZANU PF’s Kiven Mutimbanyoka was elected MP for Harare East and George Mashavane, also of ZANU PF, won the Mt Pleasant National Assembly seat in by-elections held on Saturday, 27, April.
Commenting on an article by an online publication asserting that the two “parliamentary seats have now gone to ZANU PF thanks to Sengezo Tshabangu”, Coltart said Mahere and Markham surrendered the seats to ZANU PF. He wrote on X (Twitter):
<blockquote>
With respect, this isn’t factual. These seats went to Zanu because two distinguished MPs resigned of their own accord. Whilst of course, Tshabangu was a contributing factor democrats handed these seats to Zanu PF on a platter.
</blockquote>
Added Coltart:
<blockquote>
These seats went to ZANU PF because two distinguished MPs resigned of their own accord… Despite this utterly flawed parliament we need to use every possible avenue to oppose tyranny.
In the absence of other viable non-violent options my own opinion, and it is just that, an opinion, is that we have no choice but to use every possible peaceful avenue to speak truth to power.
</blockquote>
Mahere said Coltart was being “disingenuous”, reminding him of “the chronology of events” that led to the resignations which include the abduction and torture of CCC MP, Takudzwa Ngadziore by suspected State agents. Wrote Mahere:
<blockquote>
Have you already forgotten the events that led to the resignation? Are you forgetting that whole blocs of MPs were illegally recalled? Are you forgetting that after being illegally recalled, their by-election campaigns were attacked by violent thugs? Are you forgetting that campaign team members were abducted and murdered with zero accountability?
Are you forgetting that sitting MPs were abducted and tortured while the perpetrators who were caught on video were never brought to book? Are you forgetting that our members were banned from contesting for no reason?
Are you forgetting that Zanu PF gold mafia members were then handed seats uncontested? Are you forgetting how the will of the people was desecrated in Bulawayo?
Are you forgetting that each time we took the system on in parliament we were silenced, removed from parliament by armed riot police and suspended?
Are you aware that they’ll only let you speak on matters that don’t offend them? Why should Zanu PF dictate who sits in parliament?
</blockquote>
Coltart later apologised, stating his comments were “not intended as an attack on either Mahere or Markham, both of whom are dear and trusted friends.” He said:
<blockquote>
Yesterday my comments regarding the loss of two seats to Zanu PF in Harare spurred a vigorous debate. One thing I need to make clear is that my comments were not intended as an attack on either [Fadzayi Mahere] or Rusty Markham, both of whom are dear and trusted friends.
Ironically my comments were borne from deep sadness, concern and regret that neither of them is still in Parliament. Both are amongst the finest Parliamentarians in #Zimbabwe and our Nation is all the poorer not having them there.
However, my comments were interpreted as an attack on them and for that, I apologise unreservedly. Whilst I disagree with the policy of withdrawing from hard-won spaces in general, I shouldn’t by inference have criticized them in particular. I stress that I understand why they took their decision and my respect for them both remains undiminished.
</blockquote>
United States of America-based opposition activist Freeman Chari accused CCC members of failing to take a principled state before the elections.
Chari said CCC could have taken a more assertive stance by rejecting the delimitation report, boycotting the elections entirely, and subsequently rejecting the election results, or resigned “en masse” in response to Tshabangu’s recall of the party’s elected representatives. Added Chari:
<blockquote>
You had options to make hard choices but you chose the easy way out. It was wrong and it is still wrong!
</blockquote>
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Fadzayi Mahere Fires Back At Coltart’s Claim She Surrendered Mt Pleasant To ZANU PF

ZANU PF has increased its representation in the National Assembly, after its candidates, George Mashavave and Kiven Mutimbanyoka, won the Mt Pleasant and Harare East by-elections respectively.
The by-elections were held on Saturday, 27 April 2024 to fill in the vacants created by the resignations of Fadzayi Mahere (Mt Pleasant) and Allan Markham (Harare East), both from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
In Mt Pleasant Constituency, ZANU PF’s George Mashavave garnered 3 205 votes, while independent candidates; Mamuse Nason and Ticky Brian garnered 945 and 220 votes each, respectively.
The percent poll for Mt Pleasant was 11.6%, with 206 rejected ballots.
In Harare East, ZANU PF’s Kiven Mutimbanyoka received 3 533 votes, Ropafadzo Cynthia Cheza, an independent candidate, polled 1 974 votes.
Harare East had 51 rejected ballot papers with a percentage poll of 15.2%.
In the 2023 harmonised elections, the Mt Pleasant National Assembly Constituency results were as follows: Mahere (12 863), Beadle Musatye Gwasira of ZANU PF (7 787), and Jonathan Machokoto, a CCC double candidate (5 510).
In the 2023 harmonised elections, the Harare East National Assembly Constituency results were as follows: Markham (15 642), Mavis Gumbo of ZANU PF (7 621), Malvin Razaru, a CCC double candidate (1 027), Musarurwa Stewart Mutizwa of the MDC-T party (108), and UZA’s Garikai Mlambo (84).
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ZANU PF Wins Harare East, Mt Pleasant By-elections

ZANU PF has deployed members of the Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) organisation to Harare East and Mt Pleasant constituencies ahead of by-elections on Saturday, 27 April.
FAZ is a ZANU PF affiliate which gained notoriety during the August 2023 harmonised elections when its agents set up “Exit Polls” desks outside polling stations.
An exit poll is a survey conducted right after voters leave the polling stations. Pollsters inquire about the candidate and party preferences of voters as they exit the voting location.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026097/zanu-pf-deploys-faz-for-by-elections">NewsDay</a>, ZANU PF provincial vice-chairman for Harare Ephraim Fundukwa told Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga at a rally in Harare East recently that the party had deployed FAZ and Heritage Trust members at each polling station in the by-elections. He said:
<blockquote>
I want to tell you Vice-President [Chiwenga] that the Harare province team is working hard. We have 50 polling stations for the by-election. On each of the polling stations, we have set teams of 20 members.
The teams are being led by provincial, FAZ, the Heritage Trust and Young Women for ED members who are campaigning.
</blockquote>
FAZ president Kudakwashe Munsaka told NewsDay on Thursday that his organisation is always at ZANU PF’s service. Said Munsaka:
<blockquote>
We have said umpteen times that we are an affiliate of ZANU PF and this has not changed. Yes, indeed, if the party deploys us to assist its campaign for any envisaged by-elections or any restructuring exercises for its organs, we will willingly oblige. We live to serve, as our motto aptly asserts.
</blockquote>
FAZ attracted widespread attention during the ZANU PF restructuring exercise in 2022 and the party’s primary elections the following year when it was accused of rigging the polls in favour of particular candidates.
Foreign observer missions to Zimbabwe’s 2023 general elections, among them the European Union Election Observer Mission (EU EOM), the Commonwealth EOM, and the Southern African Development Community EOM, raised concern over the presence of FAZ in rural areas where its members allegedly intimidated voters.
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ZANU PF Deploys FAZ Agents For By-elections

Brian Ticky, an Independent candidate for the upcoming by-election in Mt Pleasant National Assembly, has apologised for using former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president, Nelson Chamisa’s face on his campaign material.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mt-pleasant-independent-candidate-apologises-for-using-chamisas-face-on-campaign-posters-disassociates-from-zanu-pf/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> comes after Chamisa’s close allies, including Gift Siziba, accused Ticky of receiving funds from ZANU PF for his campaign. Chamisa’s allies also threatened to take legal action against Ticky.
Addressing the media at a press conference on Tuesday, Ticky apologised for using Chamisa’s image on his posters, fliers, and other campaign materials. He said:
<blockquote>
We felt like we had offended somebody in the course of our campaign. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise and also clear the rumours that my campaign is allegedly being funded by ZANU PF.
</blockquote>
Ticky said he is contesting for a parliamentary seat to fulfil Chamisa’s vision which he said was prematurely abandoned. He said:
<blockquote>
I am getting into these by-elections in support of the former CCC president Nelson Chamisa’s vision because I see him as a charismatic leader who is simple of hope and the possibility of a better Zimbabwe for all.
It’s not a secret Chamisa is a loved man…putting him on our campaign material was never meant to discredit anyone or mislead the masses. Rather it was a way of showing people that we share the same vision with him.
</blockquote>
Ticky also denied allegations that he is a member of the Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) or ZANU PF. He said:
<blockquote>
I’m not a Zanu PF or FAZ. I am an independent candidate. The reason I’m disassociating myself with anything to do with ZANU PF is that I’m not proud to be associated with them. I do not support their governance.
These allegations are not only false but attempt to discredit my authenticity as a true representative of the Mt Pleasant constituency.
These allegations should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve.
We are not against the struggle of people from Mt Pleasant and Zimbabwe as a whole.
</blockquote>
Mt Pleasant has two other candidates: George Mashavave (ZANU PF) and Naison Mamuse (Independent). The by-elections are scheduled for Saturday, with another one taking place in Harare East on the same day.
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Mt Pleasant Candidate, Brian Ticky, Apologises For Using Chamisa’s Face On Campaign Posters

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has declared it is ready to hold the National Assembly by-elections in Mt Pleasant and Harare East Constituencies on Saturday, 27 April 2024.
In an election notice issued this Monday, 22 April, ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Utloile Silaigwana said 42 300 have been printed for the Mt Pleasant by-election, and 38 850 ballot papers have been printed for the Harare East by-elections. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
Printing and Minting Company of Zimbabwe Pvt (Ltd) located at No. 1 George Drive, Msasa, Harare, was given the mandate to print ballot papers to be used for the National Assembly by-elections.
A total of forty-two thousand, three hundred (42 300) National Assembly ballot papers for Mount Pleasant Constituency and a total of thirty-eight thousand, eight hundred and fifty (38 850) for Harare East Constituency have been printed for the by-elections.
</blockquote>
The candidates for the Mt Pleasant constituency are George Mashavave (ZANU PF), Brian Ticky, and Nason Mamuse who are both independents.
Kiven Mutimbanyoka (ZANU PF) and Ropafadzo Cynthia Cheza (Independent) are vying for the Harare East seat.
David Chitimbe of Changu Chimuti Chakapinda Chapinda (CCCC), who intended to run for the Harare East seat, failed to raise the required US$1,000 nomination fees.
The two seats fell vacant following the resignation from Parliament of Fadzayi Mahere and Allan Markham who had both been elected on the CCC ticket in the August 2023 harmonised elections.
Mahere represented the Mount Pleasant Constituency and submitted her resignation letter on January 29, 2024.
Markham, who was a Member of Parliament for the Harare East Constituency, resigned on January 31, 2024.
The two MPs resigned in solidarity with Nelson Chamisa, who had abruptly quit CCC a few days earlier claiming that the party had been infiltrated by ZANU PF.
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81 000 Ballot Papers Printed For Mt Pleasant, Harare East By-elections - Silaigwana

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has urged voters in Harare East constituency to vote for the ZANU PF candidate, Kiven Mutimbanyoka, in the upcoming by-election, saying they should correct “the mistake” they made in the August 2023 harmonised elections, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025945/zanu-pf-shelves-thank-you-rallies">reported NewsDay</a>.
The seat was won by Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Allan Markham in the harmonised elections.
Markham, however, resigned from Parliament after the party’s former leader Nelson Chamisa quit CCC towards the end of January this year alleging the party had been hijacked by ZANU PF.
Addressing ZANU PF supporters at a rally at Chikurubi Damview on Sunday, Chiwenga reminded voters of April 28, 1897, which he said marked the beginning of the Second Chimurenga.
The by-election will be held on 27 April, and Chiwenga told the country that April 28, a day after the by-elections, was the day when spirit mediums, Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi, who inspired the First Chimurenga, were beheaded. Said Chiwenga:
<blockquote>
The Harare East by-elections have allowed us to correct and restore the political status quo and correct the mistake of the August 2023 elections.
This opportunity must not be misused because our woes will not end. April 27 is an important day among the youth and all the adults.
It is the last day of Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi in flesh because on the 28th when we will be celebrating Mutimbanyoka’s victory, that is the day they were beheaded along Tongogara Street after they had been sentenced to death.
On the 28th when we should be celebrating the victory is the day when the second liberation war started in Chinhoyi.
So those dates 27 and 28 are significant dates in relation to the by-election that we are looking forward to. We should remember where Zimbabwe came from.
Remember where the Zimbabwe that you want to sell out like you are selling tomatoes came from.
</blockquote>
Mutimbanyoka will contest against Ropafadzo Cheza, an independent candidate for the vacant Harare East National Assembly seat.
Another by-election will be held in Mount Pleasant on 27 April after the incumbent, Fadzayi Mahere (CCC) resigned.
ZANU PF’s George Mashavave and two independent candidates, Naison Mamutse and Brian Ticky, are running for the Mount Pleasant seat.
ZANU PF political commissar Mike Bimha represented Vice President Kembo Mohadi at another rally in Mt Pleasant.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF Harare metropolitan provincial vice chairman Ephraim Fundukwa said that the party had deployed Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ), Heritage Trust and Young Women for ED members to campaign for the candidates.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

VP Chiwenga Tells Voters In Harare East To Avoid A Repeat Of August 2023 "Mistake"

Independent candidates running for the Mount Pleasant and Harare East constituencies in the upcoming April 27 by-elections are calling on voters to support former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa by casting their votes in their favour.
The vacancies in these constituencies arose after former CCC legislators Fadzayi Mahere (representing Mt Pleasant) and Allan Markham (representing Harare East) resigned from their party in protest against Parliament’s conduct.
Mahere and Markham stepped down just days after Nelson Chamisa, the former CCC leader, left the party, alleging infiltration by ZANU PF.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025657/independent-candidates-ride-on-chamisas-coattails">NewsDay</a>, Independent candidates Nason Mamutse (representing Mt Pleasant) and Ropafadzo Cheza (representing Harare East), who openly support Nelson Chamisa, are now leveraging Chamisa’s perceived popularity to secure victory in the upcoming by-elections. In an interview during the weekend, Mamutse said:
<blockquote>
I am contesting as an independent and for now, Chamisa is also an individual. I would have put any other person on my campaign posters but I chose Chamisa because I like him.
</blockquote>
Mamutse will square off against ZANU PF’s George Mashavave and Brian Ticky for the Mount Pleasant seat, whileCheza will contest against Kiven Mutimbanyoka for the Harare East constituency.
A CCC faction led by Jameson Timba has pledged its support for the independent candidates.
The other CCC factions, one led by Welshman Ncube, and another led by Sengezo Tshabangu did not field candidates for the by-elections.
The spokesperson of the CCC faction led by Timba, Promise Mkwananzi said the party supported the independent candidates “to ensure democracy finds its way in Parliament”. He said:
<blockquote>
We did not field any candidates under the CCC because CCC candidates have been blocked in the past.
In our view, the citizens must vote for the CCC candidates to ensure that ZANU PF is stopped from gaining any further ill-gotten political ground.
Parliament is a platform for democratic debate but if ZANU PF had not recalled our MPs in Parliament we would have prevented it from acquiring a two-thirds majority.
There is a need for people to be represented so that the democratic movement in its totality continues to prevail in its liberated zones.
</blockquote>
CCC has been embroiled in self-destructive turmoil since last year. It all began when Tshabangu, a relatively unknown figure at the time, notified Parliament that he was the party’s interim secretary-general.
His actions led to the recall of CCC legislators, senators, and councillors, which in turn triggered a series of by-elections.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF has steadily secured its grip on power. Through a series of by-elections, they have achieved a commanding two-thirds majority in the lower house of Parliament, the National Assembly.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Independent Candidates For April 2024 By-elections Seek To Ride On Chamisa's Popularity

Five candidates have successfully filed their nomination papers with the Nomination Court ahead of the by-elections scheduled for April 27 in Mt Pleasant and Harare East.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/five-successfully-file-nomination-papers-for-harare-by-elections-cccc-candidate-fails-to-secure-funds/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, the submission of papers was halted precisely at 4 PM. However, the court continued its proceedings until approximately 8 PM after sitting throughout the day on Tuesday.
The candidates who successfully filed their papers include Mamuse Nason, an independent candidate, George Mashavave and Kiven Mutimbanyoka from ZANU PF, and Brian Ticky and Ropafadzo Cynthia Cheza, both independent.
David Chitimbe of Changu Chimuti Chakapinda Chapinda (CCCC), who intended to run for the Harare East seat, failed to raise the required US$1,000 nomination fees.
The candidates in the Mt Pleasant constituency are Mashavave, Ticky, and Mamuse. Meanwhile, Mutimbanyoka will be competing with Cheza in Harare East
These two constituencies became vacant when former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators, Fadzayi Mahere (Mt Pleasant) and Allan Markham (Harare East), voluntarily stepped down.
Mahere and Markham formally resigned in accordance with Section 129 (1) (b) of the Constitution.
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Five Candidates File Nomination Papers For Mt Pleasant And Harare East By-Elections

George Mashavave and Kiven Mutimbanyoka have been selected to represent ZANU PF in the Mt Pleasant and Harare East constituencies, respectively, in the upcoming April by-elections.
Mashavave emerged victorious against Jaison Passade, Chris Chuchu, and Beadle Musatye Gwasira, as reported by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mutimbanyoka-mashavave-win-zanu-pf-harare-primaries/">The Herald</a>. Mutimbanyoka secured the win against Lynette Mahlaba.
During the primary elections, ZANU PF assigned its spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa, to oversee the process in Mt Pleasant, while Supa Mandiwanzira supervised the polls in Harare East.
Both officials expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the primary elections
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, March 24, the Party’s National Political Commissar Mike Bimha said Mashavave and Mutimbanyoka should proceed to prepare their nomination papers so that they are ready for the nomination court sitting on March 26. He said:
<blockquote>
The primary elections were a demonstration of the democratic nature of ZANU PF. Now that the primary elections are behind us, we want all those competing to come together as we now campaign for ZANU PF representatives who will now battle it out with the opposition in the coming by-elections.
</blockquote>
The two constituencies became vacant when former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators, Fadzayi Mahere (Mt Pleasant) and Allan Markham (Harare East), voluntarily stepped down.
Mahere and Markham formally resigned in accordance with Section 129 (1) (b) of the Constitution.
In the 2023 general elections, Markham received 15,642 votes, more than double the votes won by the ZANU PF candidate Mavis Gumbo (who received 7,621 votes).
It remains to be seen if Markham will contest in the upcoming by-elections and which political party he will represent.
Mahere has since announced she will not run in the by-election. She cited the unchanged conditions that prompted her initial resignation.
In her statement on Thursday, March 21, Fadzayi Mahere highlighted several issues which include the “illegal” recall of Members of Parliament by Sengezo Tshabangu, as well as Speaker Jacob Mudenda’s refusal to engage in discussions on matters of national importance and his dismissal of points of order related to sensitive issues.
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Mutimbanyoka, Mashavave Declared Winners In ZANU PF Harare Primaries

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has proclaimed the date for the sitting of the nomination court, and the date for by-elections for Harare East and Mt Pleasant National Assembly constituencies.
The Harare East and Mt Pleasant seats fell vacant following the resignations of Allan Norman Markham and Fadzayi Mahere, respectively.
Both MPs were members of the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC).
In terms of Proclamation 1 of 2024 in Statutory Instrument 37A of 2024 published in the supplement to the Government Gazette Extraordinary dated 05 March 2024, the nomination court shall sit at the Magistrates Court Rotten Row, Harare on 26 March. The by-elections will be held on 27 April 2024. The proclamation by President Mnangagwa reads in part:
<blockquote>
WHEREAS, in terms of section 129(1)(b) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the seats of members of Parliament for Harare East and Mount Pleasant have become vacant by reason of resignation of Markham Rusty and Mahere Fadzayi on the 20th of February, 2024, who were the elected members of Parliament for the respective constituencies;
AND WHEREAS it is provided by section 39(2) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], that after the President has been notified in terms of the said section of vacancies in the membership of Parliament, he shall issue a proclamation ordering a new election to fill the vacancies in the same manner, mutatis mutandis, as is provided in section 38 of the said Act in regard to a general election;
AND WHEREAS, the Speaker of Parliament has notified me on the 20th of February, 2024, in writing, of vacancies for the afore-mentioned constituencies:
NOW, THEREFORE, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the President as afore said, I do, by this proclamation—
(a) order new elections for the constituencies of Harare East and Mount Pleasant; and
(b) fix Tuesday the 26th day of March, 2024, as the date on which the nomination court shall sit, commencing at 10 o’clock in the morning, at the Magistrates Court Rotten Row, Harare, for the purpose of receiving nomination of candidates for election as a member of National Assembly Constituencies for Harare East and Mount Pleasant; and
(c) fix Saturday the 27th of April, 2024, as the day on which a poll shall be taken if a poll becomes necessary in terms of section 46(17)(c) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13].
</blockquote>
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