Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Reporter
ZANU PF has shown its pedigree and its popularity by delivering another blow to the opposition, sweeping Saturday’s local authority by-elections in urban areas.
The party emerged victorious in Epworth Ward 6 and Chinhoyi Ward 14.
In Epworth Ward 6, Zanu PF candidate, Cde Civilised Bushe, won with a landslide, garnering 3 022 votes against MDC-T’s Alice Nyahunzvi who managed 120 votes, while Peter Nyapetwa, an Independent candidate, got 23 votes.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) elections officer Mr Ocean Chenjerai Chirere announced the results.
The local authority seat had been in the hands of the opposition since 2000.
Meanwhile, in Ward 14 Chinhoyi, Zanu PF’s candidate Cde Solomon Bizwork won by 599 votes beating his rival, an independent candidate, Hope Zimbiri who secured 194 votes.
ZEC elections officer Mr Taona Pfunye announced the results.
In the recent weeks, the ruling party bagged victories in Chikomba Ward 10, Chiredzi Ward 4, Marondera Ward 6, Mazowe Ward 19 and Gutu Ward 10 and 14.
Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa highlighted that President Mnangagwa’s agenda of Urban Renewal is incrementally resonating with the urban electorate under his mantra “Leaving No One and No Place behind”.
He said for more two decades, the urban populace has suffered the twin blows of Western-imposed sanctions and an MDC-CCC opposition that was indifferent, acquiescent or tolerant to their day-to-day welfare plight.
Epworth ward 6, winning candidate Cde Bushe hailed the win.
“I am really excited by the victory. It was a deserving victory. The party has carried a number of projects in Ward 6 in a short space of time before elections. This shows the level of seriousness by Zanu PF,” said Cde Bushe.
He promised to carry on with a number of projects to develop the area.
“It’s my obligation as a councillor to serve Ward 6, with dignity,” he emphasised.
Zanu PF Harare provincial chairman Cde Godwills Masimirembwa said Zanu PF is on a revival path in Harare.
“This shift in political allegiance, cemented by the life-changing impact of President Mnangagwa’s Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme, spearheaded by Discovery Ambulance Services, founder Mr David Munowenyu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, underscores the decisive power of policies that prioritise social welfare and the well-being of all Zimbabweans.’’
“The scheme’s wide-reaching impact, including life-saving medical services and fight against Drug and Substance Abuse spearheaded Discovery Ambulance Services in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Child Care has etched a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of countless people,” he said.
Harare Provincial Political Commissar Cde Voyage Dambuza commended the electorate for showing their trust in the party.
“As Zanu PF, we feel invigorated because this puts all our detractors to shame and it shows that we are the party of the people that holds the aspirations of the nation,” said Cde Dambuza.
Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka was ecstatic about the win.
“As Zanu PF, we are delivering promises made to the people during our campaigns. The electorate are witnessing a number of life-changing projects across the country. Roads are being rehabilitated, Education 5.0 is yielding results, our local currency is gaining against the United States dollar, there is stability in the market among others issues,” she said.
A political analyst, Mr Tongai Dana said the victories were inevitable.
“If opposition parties do not reorganise themselves with urgency, then the pace has been set for the rest of pending by-elections even in their erstwhile strongholds. Disorder is a nemesis for success,” he said.
