Matabeleland political parties form election pact

A CLUSTER of Matabeleland-based political parties is holding discussions to form an election pact under the banner of the Patriotic Union of Matabeleland (Puma) ahead of the next polls.

However, Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa snubbed the initiative and instead opted to join forces with the Common Issues Platform (CIP) in Harare despite his party being involved in the coalition talks.

It is believed that all the agreements were in place and ready for signing when Dabengwa turned his back on the deal, only to emerge at the CIP press briefing in the capital.

Among the agreements, the proposed alliance would field and campaign for one candidate in perceived Zanu PF strongholds. The deal was reportedly facilitated by a retired senior politician in the region.

When reports of the CIP emerged, political parties in Matabeleland said they felt betrayed because they had worked tirelessly with Zapu and other parties since last year to form a united front.

Zanu Ndonga, Zapu, MDC 99 and the Democratic Party held a joint press conference in Harare recently where they announced the formation of the CIP to challenge the coalition government.

"This is the coming together of opposition parties that share the same views and concerns about what is happening in the country," Dabengwa said at the press conference.

Puma officials said although they hold no grudge against Zapu, they were surprised that it had snubbed efforts for a united front in Matabeleland. Puma information secretary Bhekinkosi Mdlongwa said Zapu’s snub would not derail their project.

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