'Dabengwa most likely to brew shocker'

POLITICAL analysts think the Dumiso Dabengwa-led Zapu might brew a shocker in next month's by-elections in Bulawayo, as it is widely viewed as a better alternative by the electorate.

However, they warned that Zanu-PF's chances of victory would be aided by "the uneven electoral field".

Both parties and scores of independent candidates have upped campaigns through holding a series of door-to-door meetings.

Political commentator and journalist Methuseli Moyo yesterday said although Zanu-PF might seem to be having an upper hand and could win seats in Bulawayo, it would not come as a surprise if Zapu grabbed all seats in Bulawayo as it was the only political party which would be regarded as a viable alternative by the electorate.

However, George Mkhwananzi differed with Moyo saying only Zanu-PF would win elections in Bulawayo through rigging.

"I honestly don't expect any party or individual to win any of the by-elections anywhere in Zimbabwe on June 10 except the masters of rigging, Zanu-PF," Mkhwananzi said.

"In the case of Bulawayo and Tsholotsho, I foresee massive voter apathy which will mean a Zanu-PF victory.

If you check the statistics of the last election, you would notice that Zanu-PF numbers averaged 5 000 in Bulawayo and the Tsholotsho result was a narrow victory for MDC-T.

"It will only take a very popular and well-organised party to beat an unpopular, violent, but well-resourced Zanu-PF in a by-election, not some opportunistic party or individual."

There are 14 vacant constituencies which will conduct by-elections on June 10.

Bulawayo has five vacant constituencies - Mpopoma, Lobengula, Pumula, Makokoba and Luveve.