The stage is set for a crucial presidential face-off in Zimbabwe after a record 11 candidates managed to gather enough support to run in next month’s crucial elections.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) confirmed that 21 wannabe contenders handed in their nomination papers this week, hoping to oust President Emmerson Mnangagwa from power.
But several bidders failed to raise the hefty $20,000 entry fee or garner enough backing from voters in all 10 provinces, leaving just 11 desperate politicians vying for the opportunity to lead the troubled southern African nation.
Leading the pack are incumbent President Mnangagwa of the ruling Zanu PF party and main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), in what’s expected to be a tight race.
Former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere will also run as an independent, joined in the race by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora, Lovemore Madhuku of NCA; Joseph Busha of Free Zim Congress; Trust Chikohora of ZCPD; Blessing Kasiyamhuru of ZIPP; Wilbert Archbald Mubaiwa of NPC, Gwinyai Muzorewa of UANC and Harry Peter Wilson of DOP.
ZEC deputy chairman Rodney Kiwa said lists of candidates for parliamentary seats and local councils will be released by June 30 to allow for any legal challenges.
But crisis looms for the CCC after Kiwa revealed “double candidates” were allegedly submitted in Harare, Bulawayo and Masvingo. The party has promised to take the matter to court.
