...as members demand a secret ballot

Political Reporter 

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s candidate selection processes that took place yesterday was marred with violent skirmishes causing the process to be abandoned in some areas.

The Harare Post reporters witnessed violence incidences at most centres and this was exacerbated by the absence of security details.

At Glenview 3 Community Centre, CCC members exchanged blows with one Fanuel Munengami who was accused of barring Happymore Chidziva’s supporters from accessing the selection venue.

Munengami and his supporters came and barred Chidziva’s supporters from getting into the Community Centre hall where the selection process was taking place. Chidziva’s supporters retaliated and a running battle ensued causing the process to be abandoned.

In Budiriro, the selection process was again abandoned following violent skirmishes between Cecilia Chimbiri’s supporters and those of Hellen Matsunga. Matsunga’s supporters were accusing Chimbiri of bribing members with Pepsi soft drinks so that they could endorse her candidature.

In Highfield, Ward 24, the process ended prematurely as it was disrupted by candidates Gilbert Bgwende, Silas Machetu, and Tashinga Buwu who were of the view that the selection process favoured sitting MP Eric Murai and the Ward councillor, Lovemore Makuwerere.

In Rugare, there were skirmishes after the presiding officer had informed CCC supporters to group according to their streets and have consensus nominations of preferred candidates.

At Trafalgar Court in Harare, the selection had to be stopped as angry members attacked the presiding officers accusing them of producing an unknown party membership register.

In Mt Pleasant, the candidate selection process was abandoned as there were no presiding officers to lead process.  Members donning yellow T-shirts were seen roaming around the selection venue with no senior party member to attend to them, save for Jacob Mafumhe who was also seeking nomination to represent CCC in Mt Pleasant Ward 17.

Violence erupted at Glen Norah B hall between Womberai Nhende and Maxwell Mafa’s camps forcing the selection process to end prematurely. Some CCC members were left nursing wounds as they were caught in the cross fire.

In various wards in Harare, there were no signs of presiding officers and people were just wandering around until midday.

Meanwhile, some CCC members denounced Nelson Chamisa’s community consensus model and called for primary elections to be held to democratically elect candidates who would represent that party in this year’s elections.

“We want free and fair primary elections. This community consensus model is marred by confusion and it can be easily manipulated. Democracy should be seen to be exercised. This community consensus model is an indirect method of imposing candidates,” said the disgruntled members.

Efforts to get a comment from CCC interim spokesperson were futile as her mobile phones were not reachable.