THE air in Mutare was thick with tension as Zanu PF Manicaland women’s league held a crucial election for its chairperson that saw Dorothy Mabika emerge victorious, securing 23 votes against her rival Mercy Sacco, who garnered 16 after a gruelling contest yesterday.
The stakes were high after the election had been postponed four times due to procedural disputes and internal conflicts within the party.
The elections were presided over by Zanu PF national political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha.
The post had been vacant since the suspension of former provincial chairperson Happiness Nyakuedzwa last year.
In an interview after the election, Machacha expressed relief and optimism.
“We were instructed to re-do the election of the Zanu PF chairwoman of the provincial committee and we have just concluded that task, with Mabika winning the election,” he said.
“From now on and going forward, Manicaland will be united. We are now focusing on organising and building our party.”
The road to this election had been fraught with challenges. Since April 6, disagreements between Mabika and Sacco had created a rift in the party, leading to significant indiscipline and factionalism.
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Machacha highlighted the urgency of restoring order.
Manicaland is an area that must be respected. Women must run their things; failure to do that, the main wing gets in,” he said.
In a post-election interview Mabika expressed gratitude, attributing her victory to divine intervention.
“My victory is the work of God. I give praise to the Lord. Despite the postponement of these election results, the women's league continued voting for me. I am going to unite women in the province.
“Whenever there is an election, there is always a winner and a loser, but I am going to work with everyone so that we achieve the 2030 vision.”
The election served as a stark reminder of the deepening factional struggles within Zanu PF Manicaland women's league, a situation that could impact the party’s future if not addressed.
