MDC-T, Zanu-PF books same venue for by-election rallies, fireworks expected

Fireworks are expected today at White City Stadium in Bulawayo as Zanu-PF and MDC-T Bulawayo provinces booked the same venue for June 10 by-election rallies and will be separated by a perimeter fence.

The MDC-T rally expected to be addressed by party president Morgan Tsvangirai will be at White City Youth Centre Arena while Zanu-PF will hold theirs inside the stadium.

Tsvangirai is set to explain the party's decision to boycott upcoming June 10 by-elections.

The MDC-T has been criticised by supporters and officials over its boycott, with some saying the opposition party had betrayed Bulawayo residents who have voted for it since 2000 Tsvangirai and his deputy Thokozani Khuphe last month snubbed a Bulawayo provincial council meeting where they were set to address members on the by-election boycott amid reports party members had planned to demonstrate against the MDC-T leader.

Khuphe and other legislators in the city are reportedly against the decision to boycott the by-elections.

Zanu-PF has never won a seat in Bulawayo where five constituencies are vacant following the recall of MDC Renewal Team legislators from Parliament.