Zimbabwe: Aspiring Independent MP Withdraws Candidature for 'Personal Reasons' After Mnangagwa's Warning

Rick Bajornas / UN Photo
Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe (file photo).
14 July 2023
New Zimbabwe (London)
By Staff Reporter

A Zanu PF member Ndinyarei Mupukuta who was contesting the Maramba-Pfungwe National Assembly seat under an independent ticket has withdrawn his candidature citing personal reasons.

The withdrawal follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa warning to ruling party members "deploying" themselves as independent candidates.

In a statement released Thursday, Zanu PF Treasurer General and acting secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa confirmed Mupukuta's withdrawal.

"This is to inform the public that Cde Ndinyarei Mupukuta a Zanu PF cadre who had submitted nomination papers in terms of Section 46 of the Electoral Act to stand as an Independent Candidate in the Maramba-Pfungwe constituency has with effect from 11 July 2023 withdrawn his candidature.

"Attached is a copy of the withdrawal letter submitted to the provincial elections officer, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Mashonaland East Province," Chinamasa said.

Mupukuta's letter read, "Following the Proclamation by His Excellency, President E.D. Mnangagwa, I. Mupukuta Ndinyarei (47-095781Q47) submitted my nomination forms in terms of Section 46 of the Electoral Act of Zimbabwe to the Maramba Pfungwe Constituency Elections Officer at Marondera Mashonaland East Province. Consequently, I was successfully nominated, and my name was published among nominated candidates in the Government Gazette for Maramba Pfungwe Constituency as an Independent.

"However, for personal reasons, I have decided unequivocally and without any undue influence, to withdraw my candidature for the forthcoming elections. This decision is made considering Section 49 of the Electoral Act which entitles me to withdraw my nomination at any time before elections."

Addressing Zanu PF supporters in Magunje, Mnangagwa said members who lost in the primary elections should follow party rules.

"No one of you formed Zanu pf party. Remember, you joined an already existing party. If you want to remain a Zanu PF member, follow its rules. Kana ukafunga kuita pidigori, ndiwe unopidikuga muZanu PF. Isu takakuriramo, over 64 years tiri mu Zanu PF asi hatina kumboti Zanu PF ndeyangu.

"Ndikarota Zanu PF yave yangu ndinopepuka kuti hope dzabvepi mudzimu yoda kundirasha. So, to you all, I say let us unite. If you are a sincere member of the party, you get deployed, you do not deploy yourself," he warned.

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