Correspondent|Skirmishes rocked MDC Masvingo office on Saturday, prompting the party leadership to cancel elections to choose the new provincial chairperson.

The confusion started when a member who was against the voting process allegedly grabbed the ballot boxes and tried to run away with them.

He was blocked by other members resulting in some pushing and shoving for the boxes.

Party national executive member Mrs Magie Chakabuda confirmed the cancellation.

She however, said she was not at the party headquarters when the violence erupted.

“I was late for the elections because of other commitments elsewhere and by the time I arrived, party members were already on their way home. So I did not witness anything,’’ she said.

“However, what I know is that the election had to be called off to avoid the situation spiralling out of control. We will wait for guidance from the national leadership on what to do next.

“There is no way the election could continue in such an environment. Maybe by mid this week we will have a way forward,’’ said Mrs Chakabuda.

The chaotic election was stopped with Mr Chanyau leading his rival by 245 votes to 167.

Matutu and Gumbi’s beef stems from the party provincial congress held last year which saw Matutu failing to upstage Gumbi in the provincial chair race.

Gumbi’s political star never shone brighter after his provincial congress win and suffered a serious setback recently after party leader Mr Nelson Chamisa suspended his executive for incompetence.

The suspension of Gumbi and his executive by Chamisa reignited factional fighting in the party.

Chamisa is still to appoint an interim executive after sacking Gumbi’s executive.

Additional reporting: State Media