Zanu-PF's Dinha romps to victory

The ruling party zanu-pf registered a landslide victory in the Mazowe North by-election after its candidate, Dr Martin Dinha, garnered 12 573 votes against his opponent, Mr Elias Malukula of the Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ), who got 619 votes.

The constituency fell vacant following the sudden death of zanu-pf representative Edgar Chidavaenzi in March this year.

In an interview with The Herald following his victory, Dr Dinha said it was unavoidable as Mashonaland Central remained rooted in zanu-pf.

"It was obvious that we were going to win this resoundingly. The gap between us and the opposition parties clearly shows the rejection of the Western colonially minded opposition fanatic with no development for the people in mind," he said.

"I believe the MDC-Mangoma faction was merely trying its luck in a clearly Zanu-PF turf and the province proved that without fear or favour Zanu-PF rules the roost and as its candidate I do enjoy popular support in the province."

Dr Dinha said he would continue his development projects in the province to ensure that people reap the fruits of supporting the country's most legitimate party.

zanu-pf provincial chair Dickson Mafios said his party was in charge and there was absolutely no doubt about that. "No opposition can ever survive the political ground in Mashonaland Central because, even from ward level, it is the ruling party which is in control of the province," he said.