Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
ZANU-PF National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha has urged residents of Bulawayo’s Ward 1 to turn out in large numbers for the October 3 council by-election and vote for the party’s candidate, Cde Mathias Tichaona Tsikira.
Cde Machacha made the call on Saturday while addressing a welcome reception for more than 3 000 new Zanu-PF members at Stanley Square in Makokoba.
The new members were drawn from opposition political parties, including the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), FreeZim and the Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC), as well as churches affiliated with the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) Zimbabwe Chapter.
With the Ward 1 contest now entering the final campaign phase, Cde Machacha said the by-election presented an opportunity for the party to demonstrate its organisational strength while urging eligible voters to exercise their right to vote.
“As you know, on October 3, we have a by-election in Ward 1. I want to urge all those who are in areas that fall under Ward 1 to come out in their numbers and vote for our candidate, Cde Tsikira.
“Let us show people out there that, as Zanu-PF, we are a united party and that Zanu-PF is going to win because of the developmental initiatives being spearheaded by the Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa,” he said.
The Ward 1 by-election has attracted three candidates — Cde Tsikira of Zanu-PF, Mr Mduduzi Sibanda of the CCC and independent candidate Mr Shepherd Sithole.
The three were successfully nominated on September 2, paving the way for the October 3 poll.
The seat became vacant after former councillor Josiah Mutangi was removed from office following an independent tribunal’s finding of misconduct.
The Local Government and Public Works Ministry subsequently declared the seat vacant, triggering the by-election.
Cde Machacha said Zanu-PF would continue mobilising its structures ahead of polling day, urging residents to participate in the electoral process.
The call comes as the ruling party seeks to build on its recent performance in local authority by-elections.
On August 1, Zanu-PF candidates won all three Victoria Falls municipal by-elections in Wards 9, 10 and 11. In Ward 9, Cde Tapiwa Kwendu Sibanda polled 287 votes, while Cde Thindolie Sibanda won Ward 10 with 291 votes and Cde George Mhlanga secured Ward 11 with 736 votes.
The party also secured all three contested wards in the Tsholotsho by-elections, results that have since featured prominently in its mobilisation efforts ahead of the Ward 1 contest.Cde Tsikira said his campaign was progressing well and expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious in the October 3 by-election.
He thanked the Zanu-PF leadership in Bulawayo for the support and mobilisation efforts behind his candidacy, as well as Ward 1 residents who had embraced his campaign.
“I am confident that we are going to win this election. The campaign is progressing very well and I am encouraged by the support we are receiving from the party leadership and the people of Ward 1.
“I want to thank the party leadership in Bulawayo for standing firmly behind my candidature and for mobilising its structures to ensure that we have a strong campaign.
“I also want to thank the people of Ward 1 for their support and for working with us. Their confidence and commitment give me greater determination as we approach polling day,” he said.
Cde Tsikira’s campaign is centred on issues including improved service delivery, urban development, local economic activity and effective management of council affairs.
The Ward 1 contest is particularly significant given the ward’s location, which covers part of Bulawayo’s central business district.
The election will give residents an opportunity to choose a councillor to represent their interests at Bulawayo City Council.
