ZIMBABWE – BULAWAYO – Zanu-PF Politburo member, Kembo Mohadi has declined his nomination by Masvingo province for the post of National Chairman, saying that he instead, wants to support the candidature of Simon Khaya-Moyo.

“My province, Matabeleland South has already nominated Khaya Moyo for that same post and I cannot be seen to be going against my province. I am throwing my weight behind Moyo,” said Mohadi.

By declining nomination, it means that the race for the chairmanship of the party is now a three-man contest.

Over the weekend, four senior party officials – Didymus Mutasa, Obert Mpofu, Khaya-Moyo and Mohadi had been nominated for the post of National Chairman.

Manicaland and Mashonaland Central nominated Didymus Mutasa, the Secretary for Administration of the party. Masvingo seconded Mohadi, while Matabeleland North nominated Mpofu and Khaya-Moyo.

Matabeleland South went for Khaya-Moyo for the national chairman’s post.

Midlands deferred its nominations to Saturday after questions emerged on irregularities in the restructuring exercise of the party in the province.

Harare, Mashonaland East and West said they would await results from Matabeleland region before picking their preferred candidates for Vice-President and national chairman. Although Mashonaland Central settled for Mutasa for the chairmanship, Joice Mujuru for the Vice-President’s post and Robert Mugabe as President and Second Secretary, it also did not nominate the co-Vice-President as it awaited the outcome from Matabeleland region.

In terms of the Unity Accord, one of the co-Vice-Presidents must be a former PF-Zapu cadre. Since the signing of the agreement in 1987, the post of national chairman has been held by a former PF-Zapu cadre from Matabeleland region.

By Staff reporter and agencies