Mnangagwa's relative withdraws as Zanu-PF candidate for Chiwundura by-election, Kasukuwere accused

Addressing a Press Conference in Gweru yesterday, Pearson Mbalekwa announced that he was withdrawing as Zanu-PF’s candidate in the Chiwundura National Assembly by-election scheduled for July 15. Although he indicated that the withdrawal was necessitated by the fact that his child is unwell, indications are that his application to participate in the primary elections was turned down for various reasons.

Said Mbalekwa:

I would like to announce that I have voluntarily withdrawn from participating in the Chiwundura Constituency by-election. This is my sole decision because my child who is abroad is not feeling well and I felt my attention will be divided and I won’t cope with the immense pressure of elections. I will assist in the best way I can to ensure that the candidate who will represent the party wins.

Despite Mbalekwa’s statement that he withdrew voluntarily, State owned papers are accusing Zanu-PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere of blocking the former MDC-T national security advisor from representing Zanu-PF in the by-election.

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