Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Despite being the country’s main opposition party, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) has not fielded a candidate for the upcoming Insiza North parliamentary by-election in Matabeleland South Province, scheduled for June 14, saying it was instead focusing on its congress.
Four candidates will now contest for the seat on June 14 after successfully filing their nomination papers at Gwanda Magistrate Courts on Thursday.
The parliamentary seat fell vacant after the incumbent, Farai Taruvinga, died recently.
He passed away in March following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Taruvinga was first elected in the 2018 harmonised elections and retained the seat in the 2023 general elections.
The four candidates set to contest the upcoming Insiza North Constituency by-election are Delani Moyo of Zanu-PF, Thabani Mlotshwa of Zapu, Lesley Dube (independent), and Mbongeni Moyo of the Zimbabwe
National Revival Party.
A fifth aspiring candidate, Joel Mabhena of the Mthwakazi Republic Party, was disqualified after failing to secure the required number of nominators.
Dube, who was a councillor for Ward 15 in Filabusi district, resigned from the CCC and filed his papers as an independent.
Zanu-PF’s Moyo recently emerged victorious in the party’s primary elections against six other contenders.
Insiza North is predominantly rural, with an economy driven by small-scale farming and mining.
In an interview on Friday, CCC presidential spokesperson, Kurauone Chihwayi said that the party was focused on its long-term vision and strategic objectives.
He said the party was prioritising the reinforcement of its grassroots structures and preparations for an upcoming congress.
“We have made significant strides in reconnecting the party with the people of Zimbabwe, and a clear roadmap for the congress is now in place. The party remains united, strong, and vibrant under its current leadership,” Chihwayi said.
Regarding the resignation of Dube, who left the party to contest as an independent candidate, Chihwayi described the move as a non-event.
“This is a non-event and poses no harm to the party. He is an individual who does not recognise his own leadership or party structure.
New Ziana
