News / National
Zapu tips party candidate to win Insiza North by-election
5 hrs ago | Views
Opposition party Zapu has thrown its full weight behind its candidate, Thabani Mlotshwa, in the upcoming Insiza North by-election set for June 14, declaring him the answer to the socio-economic aspirations of the constituency and a symbol of resistance against the ruling Zanu PF.
The by-election was triggered by the death of Zanu PF legislator Farai Taruvinga, and will see four candidates contesting for the vacant seat. In addition to Mlotshwa, Delani Moyo will represent Zanu PF, Mbongeni Moyo will stand for the Zimbabwe National Revival Party (ZNRP), and Leslie Dube will run as an independent.
Zapu president Sibangilizwe Nkomo, in an interview with Southern Eye, said the by-election presents an opportunity for Insiza North to turn the tide against what he described as decades of misrule and economic collapse under Zanu PF.
"Let the Insiza North by-election mark the return of Zapu in Parliament to rescue Zimbabwe from further decline," Nkomo said. "For us to unshackle ourselves from the misrule and policy bankruptcy of the ruling party, we call on the people of Insiza North to unanimously support and vote for our candidate - Thabani Mlotshwa - in the by-election."
Nkomo made an impassioned plea to other opposition parties, calling for unity and tactical cooperation to defeat Zanu PF not only in Insiza North but in every constituency where by-elections occur between now and the next general elections in 2028.
"We must unite to send Zanu PF packing from Insiza North and other constituencies whenever vacancies arise," he said. "As we prepare modalities to call for national democratic convergence, we invite our compatriots in opposition parties to unite for every by-election so that we introduce more opposition voices in Parliament to stop the nefarious ED2030 agenda."
Nkomo described the ruling party as self-serving and accused it of exploiting State machinery to cling to power. He said only "genuine patriots" could safeguard the national Constitution from being eroded by corruption and authoritarianism.
"Only genuine representatives of the people can stop the shredding of our sacred national Constitution by corrupt individuals driven by greed and selfishness," he said. "The journey begins now with this by-election. No matter how much the ruling party abuses State machinery at its disposal, our united effort as opposition parties will triumph."
Zapu's rallying call for opposition collaboration comes amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, particularly with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's allies pushing for constitutional amendments to extend his rule beyond 2028 - a project widely referred to as the ED2030 agenda.
Nkomo concluded his message with a call to action: "Let us vote for genuine patriots. The power is in our hands."
The Insiza North by-election is now being closely watched as a potential litmus test for opposition unity and a reflection of growing public dissatisfaction with the country's economic and political trajectory.
The by-election was triggered by the death of Zanu PF legislator Farai Taruvinga, and will see four candidates contesting for the vacant seat. In addition to Mlotshwa, Delani Moyo will represent Zanu PF, Mbongeni Moyo will stand for the Zimbabwe National Revival Party (ZNRP), and Leslie Dube will run as an independent.
Zapu president Sibangilizwe Nkomo, in an interview with Southern Eye, said the by-election presents an opportunity for Insiza North to turn the tide against what he described as decades of misrule and economic collapse under Zanu PF.
"Let the Insiza North by-election mark the return of Zapu in Parliament to rescue Zimbabwe from further decline," Nkomo said. "For us to unshackle ourselves from the misrule and policy bankruptcy of the ruling party, we call on the people of Insiza North to unanimously support and vote for our candidate - Thabani Mlotshwa - in the by-election."
Nkomo made an impassioned plea to other opposition parties, calling for unity and tactical cooperation to defeat Zanu PF not only in Insiza North but in every constituency where by-elections occur between now and the next general elections in 2028.
Nkomo described the ruling party as self-serving and accused it of exploiting State machinery to cling to power. He said only "genuine patriots" could safeguard the national Constitution from being eroded by corruption and authoritarianism.
"Only genuine representatives of the people can stop the shredding of our sacred national Constitution by corrupt individuals driven by greed and selfishness," he said. "The journey begins now with this by-election. No matter how much the ruling party abuses State machinery at its disposal, our united effort as opposition parties will triumph."
Zapu's rallying call for opposition collaboration comes amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, particularly with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's allies pushing for constitutional amendments to extend his rule beyond 2028 - a project widely referred to as the ED2030 agenda.
Nkomo concluded his message with a call to action: "Let us vote for genuine patriots. The power is in our hands."
The Insiza North by-election is now being closely watched as a potential litmus test for opposition unity and a reflection of growing public dissatisfaction with the country's economic and political trajectory.
Source - newsday
