Opposition parties urged to back Zapu candidate in Insiza North by-election

Opposition parties in Matabeleland have been called upon to unite behind the Zapu candidate ahead of the upcoming Insiza North parliamentary by-election, after the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) failed to register a candidate for the poll.

The by-election, scheduled for June 14, follows the death of Zanu-PF MP Farai Taruvinga, who passed away in April after battling cancer.

Zapu's Thabani Mlotshwa will compete against Zanu-PF's Delani Moyo, independent candidate Lesley Dube, and Mbongeni Moyo of the National Revival Party (MRP).

Dube, who recently resigned as Ward 15 councillor, announced his independent candidacy motivated by his "unshakable commitment to defending and expanding the democratic space." He also cited his departure from the CCC, which has been embroiled in factional disputes since Sengezo Tshabangu controversially took control of the party following the 2023 elections.

The CCC's failure to field a candidate is part of a growing trend as the party struggles with internal divisions, weakening its ability to compete effectively in by-elections.

Zapu leader Sibangilizwe Nkomo has appealed to Insiza North voters and opposition parties to back Mlotshwa, emphasizing the need for a united front against Zanu-PF.

"We also call upon opposition political parties focused on this by-election to support our candidate and hereby pledge our future support on a reciprocal basis," Nkomo said.

"As Zapu, we have called for this unity of purpose, time and again, realising the futility of going it alone against Zanu-PF, a self-serving party that abuses the state apparatus and our armed forces for power retention.

"We must unite to send Zanu-PF packing from Insiza North and other constituencies whenever vacancies arise, till the next general elections in 2028."

Nkomo further stressed the importance of having a strong opposition voice in Parliament to oppose what he described as a plot by Zanu-PF and its ally Tshabangu to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term from 2028 to 2030 through election postponement.

"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.

He also acknowledged the National Revival Party's public endorsement of Zapu's candidate and their decision to withdraw their own contender, describing it as a "gesture beyond words" reflecting significant selflessness.

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF continues to dominate by-elections since Tshabangu's rise, raising concerns about the country's democratic trajectory and fears of de facto one-party rule.

The outcome of the Insiza North by-election will be closely watched as a barometer of opposition unity and strength ahead of the 2028 general elections.