Early victory for Zanu PF in by-elections

Blessings Chidakwa-Herald Reporter

The Zanu PF juggernaut has reclaimed Mabvuku-Tafara Constituency from the opposition uncontested ahead of today’s by-elections, capitalising on the opposition’s chaos which saw CCC recalling its members.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) yesterday announced that Zanu PF’s Pedzisai Sakupwanya won the seat unopposed as the only other candidature of CCC’s member Kufahakutizwi Febion Munyaradzi was set aside by the High Court.

Therefore, today the remaining National Assembly constituencies that will be up for grabs are Beitbridge West, Binga North, Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park, Lobengula-Magwegwe, Lupane East, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi and Nketa.

As Zanu PF continues to reclaim its urban seats through several life-changing projects, it will today be targeting to bag all the eight National Assembly seats to cement its status as the people’s party of choice.

In a statement, ZEC Chief Election Officer, Mr Utloile Silaigwana said further to the Press release issued by the Commission, the candidature of CCC’s Mr Kufahakutizwi was also set aside by the High Court Order in the matter HCH7543/23.

“Since there were only two candidates nominated for the Mabvuku-Tafara National Assembly constituency by-election, Sakupwanya Pedzisai Zanu (PF) is the sole candidate that was duly nominated, hence there will be no by-election in that Constituency on 09 December 2023.

“Consequently, the public is hereby notified that Pedzisai Sakupwanya of Zanu PF has been duly elected member of the National Assembly for Mabvuku-Tafara Constituency with effect from 9 December 2023,” reads the statement.

Zanu PF Director for Information and Publicity Cde Farai Marapira said the people of Mabvuku-Tafara and everywhere the ruling party  will win are going to be super proud of Zanu PF.

“It is pleasing that we are going to benefit from the chaos within the opposition. As Zanu PF we are happy, we were confident of winning the election even if the other candidate had not been disqualified.

“We were very confident of taking this seat, but we are grateful for the mandate to serve the people,” he said.