‘Respect role of chiefs’

ZANU-PF’S Marondera East candidate has come out guns blazing warning MDC Alliance candidates to desist from soiling traditional leaders during and after elections.

This follows accusations made by his political rival Mr Musekiwa Chakaengesu that he was using Chief Svosve in his campaigns.

Marondera East constituency is under Chief Svosve’s jurisdiction.

Cde Chidhakwa insisted that Zanu-PF was a party guided by principles and respected the role played by chiefs in Zimbabwe.

“If you want to be a representative of a constituency it is logical for one to respect the chief in the area and seek guidance from that leader.

“How do you expect one to get into an area and not make consultations with the traditional leader in the area and create a cordial relationship.

“Every chief knows his or her roles that are stipulated in the Constitution, why would Chief Svosve choose to campaign for one candidate considering the vast area under his jurisdiction.

“MDC Alliance is now seeking for a scapegoat of losing the election and start abusing the laws of the country,” said Cde Chidhakwa.

However, Mr Chakaengesu accused Cde Chidhakwa of having the backing of Chief Svosve.

“There is massive intimidation happening in my constituency. Cde Chidhakwa has the backing of Chief Svosve and they are using him as a tool in their campaign.

“We have not reported the cases of intimidation to the police because of the bad blood between our party and the police force.

“Our major worry is the issue of Zanu-PF using chiefs in their campaigns ahead of elections, which is against the law,” he said.

The Constitution no longer allows traditional leaders to rally behind political parties.

Cde Chidhakwa urged his counterpart to seek audience with Chief Svosve.

“Chiefs do not belong to Zanu-PF and the MDC Alliance should learn to seek audience with chiefs, they are the stockholders of the land,” he said.