Zanu PF outlines by-elections strategy

ZANU PF has deployed teams to mobilise support for the party’s candidates ahead of the December 9 by-elections as part of its strategy to take the nine seats left vacant following the recall of opposition legislators.

Outlining the ruling party’s campaign strategy, ZANU PF Political Commissar Dr Mike Bimha said the by-elections were an opportunity for the party to enhance its connection with the electorate.

“We already have teams in every province that have been trained on how to campaign and to also propagate the ideological training administered by the Chitepo School of Ideology,” said Dr Bimha.

“We have champions mandated by the party to carry out campaigns in all the constituencies where we are going to have by-elections.”

He also said the by-elections were an opportunity for the ruling party to prepare for the 2028 harmonised elections.

“We are already preparing for that (2028 elections) as we prepare for these by-elections,” he added.

“The recalls, although we have nothing to do with them, are healthy because they keep us close to the electorate.

“It is healthy to keep us on our toes as we mobilise our people.”

In a separate interview, ZANU PF Director for Information and Publicity Cde Farai Marapira said the recent triumph in the Gutu West by-election had re-energised the ruling party.

Cde John Paradza garnered 12 147 votes in the Gutu West by-election, beating his nearest rival Mr Martin Mudzingwa — an independent candidate — who secured 1 775 votes.

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Mr Ephraim Morudu came third with a paltry 1 258 votes, while the National Constitutional Assembly’s Mr Robson Kurwa had 138 votes.

“ZANU PF is energised and buoyed by the Gutu West win,” said Cde Marapira.

“We are looking forward to emphatic wins in December as we believe the voters have seen the reality that is the opposition.

“Clearly, the opposition does not care about the welfare of Zimbabweans; they are self-centred and we believe the voters shall speak out, and we shall have a resounding win.

“Also, His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s policies have resonated with the generality of our people, who see and realise that only ZANU PF can carry the nation and its aspirations forward.”

The December 9 by-elections were triggered by the recall of 15 CCC legislators — including six who were elected through proportional representation — by the party’s interim secretary-general, Mr Sengezo Tshabangu.

Mr Tshabangu also recalled nine senators and 17 councillors.

The elections will be held in Beitbridge West, Binga North, Bulawayo South, Cowdray

Park, Lobengula-Magwegwe, Lupane East, Mabvuku-Tafara, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi and Nketa constituencies.