Zanu-PF to decide on by-election candidates

This week, the ruling Zanu-PF party is set to reveal the names of candidates who will participate in the upcoming by-elections scheduled for December 9. The party's commissariat department has expressed its strong desire to secure victory in all 15 parliamentary seats at stake.

In response to the self-proclaimed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu, recalling 15 Members of Parliament from Parliament, claiming they are no longer members of the opposition party, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the by-election date.

Mnangagwa issued Proclamation 8 of 2023 and Statutory Instrument 188 of 2023 last week, officially declaring the by-election date.

During an interview with NewsDay in the Gutu West constituency on Saturday, Zanu-PF's national political commissar, Mike Bimba, confirmed that the party will hold a meeting to select its candidates. He refrained from commenting further at this time.

Of particular interest is the Mabvuku-Tafara constituency, where one of Mnangagwa's top allies, Pedzisai "Scott" Sakupwanya, is expected to contest the election. He narrowly lost to CCC candidate Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi in the previous election.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is also poised for another attempt in the Cowdray Park constituency after losing to CCC candidate Pashor Sibanda.

The nomination of candidates for the aspiring contestants will be conducted on November 7 this year.

The recalled candidates come from various regions, including Matebeleland South, Matebeleland North, Bulawayo, and Harare.

Meanwhile, Bimba disclosed that preparations for the Zanu-PF People's Annual Conference, commencing this weekend, are well advanced. Over 3,000 delegates are expected to attend the conference in Gweru, Midlands province. Party members have already booked accommodations in Gweru for the event.