Many are called but a few are chosen

Unlike the previous elections, Zimbabweans will be going to polls on the 23rd of August to vote for at least one of the 11 candidates who is seeking employment in the office of the president.

And the 11 aspiring candidates are; Emmerson Mnangagwa (ZanuPF), Nelson Chamisa (CCC), Saviour Kasukuwere (Independent), Douglas Mwonzora (MDC), Lovemore Madhuku (NCA), Joseph Busha (FZC), Trust Chikowora (ZCPD), Blessing Kasiyamhuru (ZIPP), Wilbert Archbald Mubaiwa (NPC), Gwinyai Muzorewa (UNC), and Harry Peter Wilson (DOP).

While 21 candidates submitted nomination papers on Wednesday, 10 were not accepted for various reasons, including failure to pay the US$20,000 fee or insufficient nominations. Candidates were required to have 10 nominations from each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces.

The ZEC will release successful candidate lists for the National Assembly and local authority elections by June 30 to provide time for aggrieved candidates to launch court appeals.

Some presidential aspirants have resolved not to contest in this year’s election citing high nomination fees. Tendai Peter Munyanduri, leader of the New Innovative and Modernisation Front Party (NIMFP), has said he will not contest for the presidency in the 2023 elections due to high nomination fees and pressure from his studies.

Also Zim EFF leader Innocent Ndibali, has selected to run as a member of parliament for Lobhengula/Magwegwe. DUP leader, Chapman withdrew from 2023 Zimbabwe Presidential race. He cited financial constraints, the limited time before voting day, and concerns about possible fractionalisation and infiltration as reasons for his withdrawal. He said in a press,

“I would like to personally thank all those who worked hard and remained true to our cause for an alternative option to the political landscape of Zimbabwe…As I and we all reflect on this moment, the tough lessons allow the opportunity to build back better and wiser. I look forward to campaigning on the ground with all our successfully nominated candidates and remain committed to improving the dialogue about building a better Zimbabwe,” said Chapman.

While the current main opposition party, DC failed to deploy candidates in all 10 provinces of the country. Meaning after 20 years Zimbabwe, won’t be having a MDC parliamentarian member. The opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), led by Douglas Mwonzora, has failed to field candidates in all constituencies in Zimbabwe, reportedly due to the party’s financial troubles.

The party’s information and publicity secretary, Witness Dube, told Voice of America (VOA) Studio 7 in an interview that they were unable to pay nomination fees for all their candidates across the country by the close of the Nomination Court.

“We failed to pay nomination fees for all our candidates across the country by close of the Nomination Court. Please get details from the president,” said Dube (VOA studio)

The party’s secretary general Mashakada, issued a statement to all MDC-T provinces, advising all candidates to leave their forms at ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) offices and disperse. Read the statement:

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, all candidates are now advised to leave their forms at ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) offices and disperse. Further communication will be issued regarding the legal status of their nomination papers in view of non-payment. Any inconvenience suffered is most sincerely regretted,” said Mashakada.

The CCC party in other constituencies and wards had filled for more than three candidates. Also, in a surprise candidate representation for CCC in Cowdray Park, Dr Khupe’s name was no way to be found. It was Mthuli Ncube the finance Minister of Zimbabwe under ZanuPF who will be contesting against Pashor Raphael Sibanda of CCC party.