By Paul Nyathi|Aspiring ZANU PF parliamentarian for Norton Langton Mutendereki says he is prepared to square up with buoyant Christopher Mutsvangwa as many times as he wants in the primary elections to choose the ZANU PF candidate for the constituency and would still beat him in all attempts.

Mutendereki said this ahead of the rerun of the primary election which Mutsvangwa lost and appealed against.

Mutendereki won the first round which Mutsvangwa claimed was rigged.

While sources close to Mutsvangwa claimed there were “negotiations” for Mutendereki to “step aside” the little-known politician poured cold water on the suggestions.

“There are moves to try and persuade Mutendereki to step aside. Talks are in progress,” said a source close to the issue, adding this might allow Mutsvangwa a free passage to stand as a Zanu PF candidate.

But Mutendereki yesterday said he would not be distracted by “heresay”.

“There is nothing like that. I am preparing for the primary election re-run and ready for it. It is not correct. In fact, nobody has approached me either cordially or in a threatening fashion. I am still very much in the race,” he told the local Newsday.

Mutendereki said he was more emboldened and convinced than ever now that he will be Zanu PF candidate come the general election.

“It’s not true that I’m being threatened to quit the rerun. Those are lies, in fact, I’m raring to go and will win this time with a wider margin . . . my friend even if the elections are held 100 times I will still beat Mutsvangwa,” Mutendereki said.

“During the first round, I was 75% sure that I would win, but now I am 100% certain. I won without anyone’s help and ready for it,” he said.

Mutsvangwa would not comment on the issue or his chances in the re-run.