Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president Nelson Chamisa has axed Dr Peter Mataruse, his candidate for the Chinhoyi constituency, just hours before the Nomination Court sits today.
Sources claim Dr. Mataruse – who defeated Eng Leslie Mhangwa twice in primary elections – was removed from the list of candidates due to alleged ties with the MDC-A faction.
Dr. Mataruse is one of the few MPs and councillors who survived recalls by Douglas Mwonzora’s MDC-T.
Eng Mhangwa, who is now expected to submit his nomination papers today, was seen at Chinhoyi Provincial Court this morning where his candidacy was confirmed.
CCC supporters in Chinhoyi have vowed to vote for Zanu PF in protest against what they see as a lack of democracy in Chamisa’s shocking axe of their preferred candidate, Dr. Mataruse.
Chamisa’s last-minute firing of candidates threatens to cost CCC votes and alienate grassroots supporters ahead of the crucial elections in August.
