The newly formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has failed to resolve the issue of double candidates in Masvingo Urban, Ward 4, where Thokozile Muchuchuti and Aleck Tabe both filed their nomination papers on Wednesday to contest in the 26 March by-elections.
The two candidates were called to Harare to meet senior party leaders to resolve the matter but there was no breakthrough after Muchuchuti failed to travel to Harare, claiming she was unwell.
Despite the intervention of top CCC officials led by Vice President Lynette Kore, a consensus remained elusive as neither of the candidates is willing to withdraw.
NewZimbabwe.com reported sources as saying the provincial leadership was ordered to make sure that the candidates find each other within 48 hours so that one withdraws from the contest.
If a compromise cannot be reached, the top leadership in Harare will determine who must withdraw. CCC acting provincial chairperson, Misheck Marava said:
It’s true we were in a meeting, nothing has been decided yet, but there are positive changes. The procedure is not over yet, but it’s going on well.
In 2018, Muchuchuti had won in the MDC Alliance’s primary election but the party resolved that the seat was reserved for the youth.
Godfrey Kurauone eventually represented the party and won the seat in the 2018 elections.
Kurauone, who is now based in the United States of America, was, however, recalled by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora in 2020.
Now CCC officials want Muchuchuti to concede defeat for a second time.