Zanu-PF urges residents to shun chaotic opposition

Residents of Bulawayo have been encouraged to vote for development by supporting the ruling Zanu-PF in the upcoming December 9 by-elections and distancing themselves from the opposition, which has been marred by internal conflicts resulting in the recall of some of its members.

The by-elections aim to fill the vacancies left by the recall of 15 MPs and councillors by the Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC), an opposition party.

Zanu-PF held successful primary elections to select candidates for the vacant posts in Bulawayo. Former Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi will represent the party in the Bulawayo South Constituency, while Albert Mavhunga will contest for the Nketa constituency. Other candidates for National Assembly seats in Bulawayo include Arthur Mujeyi (Cowdray Park), Menziwe Dube (Lobengula-Magwegwe), and Dzingai Kamamba (Mpopoma-Mzilikazi). For local authority seats in Bulawayo, the party will be represented by Cdes Sandra Ndebele Sibindi (Ward 20), Sikhanyiso Manyathela (Ward 18), and Makaita Tekere (Ward 21).

In Beitbridge West, Matabeleland South, Thusani Ndou will stand for re-election, while in Lupane East, Matabeleland North, Phathisiwe Machangi will contest the seat. In Binga North, Matabeleland North, Chineka Muchimba was chosen by consensus, and in Harare's Mabvuku-Tafara constituency, Scott Sakupwanya was unopposed.

Elifasi Mashaba, a Zanu-PF politburo member who oversaw the primaries in Bulawayo, praised the process as a demonstration of internal democracy. The party is now focused on ensuring that the winning candidates successfully submit their papers in the Nomination Court.

Mashaba emphasized the importance of the upcoming by-elections, calling on the people of Bulawayo to vote for development. He also criticized the CCC recalls as a testament to the opposition's lack of vision and self-centeredness, urging voters to reconsider their choices.

In response, CCC interim secretary Mr. Sengenzo Tshabangu announced that CCC would not hold primary elections and would instead field candidates who were initially selected during the pre-harmonized election process. Zanu-PF's Political Commissar Mike Bimha expressed confidence that the party would make inroads into CCC's urban strongholds, citing the opposition's internal conflicts and poor administration as reasons for potential voter support. He also emphasized the party's readiness for the by-elections, highlighting the strength of Zanu-PF's structures.