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Zapu to engage supporters over by-elections
25 Oct 2023 at 16:56hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) has expressed its commitment to engaging citizens in constituencies where by-elections will take place due to the recall of Members of Parliament and councillors from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). During an interview on Asakhe, hosted by CITE, ZAPU spokesperson Msongelewa Ndlovu outlined the party's current divergence in opinions on this matter.
One faction within the party argues against allowing Zanu-PF any unchecked influence anywhere in the country. They are determined to contest elections vigorously, ready to confront the ruling party on all fronts, be it underwater, in the mountains, or in the air. This section of the membership firmly believes in defending the people's rights at any cost.
Conversely, there is another perspective within the party that suggests that by allowing Zanu-PF to dictate when and where to contest, they might inadvertently legitimize the ongoing political turmoil. This group advocates acting in solidarity with the people whose elected leaders have been unjustly removed from power.
ZAPU has appointed teams within the party to engage with the citizens in the affected constituencies. They are working to bridge these differences and reach a unified approach to engaging with the people. The aim is to give the affected citizens a voice and an opportunity to shape the party's political direction, avoiding a situation where engagement is solely through elections.
According to Ndlovu, this engagement will provide them with valuable insights on how to confront what they view as the formidable challenge presented by Zanu-PF. Meanwhile, ZAPU has already fielded candidates in constituencies left vacant following the general elections of August 23, 2023.
In conclusion, ZAPU is considering its approach to the upcoming by-elections, recognizing the need for thorough deliberation while aligning their decisions with the will of the people. They are contemplating whether to challenge Zanu-PF in these elections or stand in solidarity with the affected citizens to make these by-elections a symbol of resistance.
One faction within the party argues against allowing Zanu-PF any unchecked influence anywhere in the country. They are determined to contest elections vigorously, ready to confront the ruling party on all fronts, be it underwater, in the mountains, or in the air. This section of the membership firmly believes in defending the people's rights at any cost.
Conversely, there is another perspective within the party that suggests that by allowing Zanu-PF to dictate when and where to contest, they might inadvertently legitimize the ongoing political turmoil. This group advocates acting in solidarity with the people whose elected leaders have been unjustly removed from power.
ZAPU has appointed teams within the party to engage with the citizens in the affected constituencies. They are working to bridge these differences and reach a unified approach to engaging with the people. The aim is to give the affected citizens a voice and an opportunity to shape the party's political direction, avoiding a situation where engagement is solely through elections.
According to Ndlovu, this engagement will provide them with valuable insights on how to confront what they view as the formidable challenge presented by Zanu-PF. Meanwhile, ZAPU has already fielded candidates in constituencies left vacant following the general elections of August 23, 2023.
In conclusion, ZAPU is considering its approach to the upcoming by-elections, recognizing the need for thorough deliberation while aligning their decisions with the will of the people. They are contemplating whether to challenge Zanu-PF in these elections or stand in solidarity with the affected citizens to make these by-elections a symbol of resistance.
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