Mash East ready for by-elections

MARONDERA The preparatory work done by the Zanu PF Mashonaland East leadership in preparation of the February 3 by-elections have impressed the party’s national political commissar Mike Bimha.

Next month, Zanu PF will contest two National House of Assmbly seats – Goromonzi South and Seke – and the party has been on a campaign trail in the two constituencies where it will be represented by Washington Zhanda and Munyaradzi Kashambe respectively.

The seats fell vacant after the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu recalled Stephen Chatiza and Willard Madzimbamuto soon after the August 23/24 2023 general elections.

In Mashonaland East, the by-elections will also be held Marondera Central Constituency’s Wards 8, 3 and 10 where Tshabangu recalled former Mayor Abel Nyakarombo, his deputy Bornface Tagwirei and Thompson Magaluwa.

As it prepares for the by-elections, the ruling party has been holding extensive campaigns reflecting the party’s support from the grassroots.

Bimha was recently at the Zanu PF provincial headquarters in Marondera where he appreciated the work being done in preparation of the by-elections.

He was also briefed on the challenges that have been faced along the way and how they can be addressed as the party aims to reclaim the seats.

Addressing members of the media soon after the meeting, Bimha said: “The provincial teams have highlighted to me the progress that they have made to date and they highlighted the challenges that they faced along the way and as Head Office, we will see how best we will chip in to address those challenges so that we will be in a position to win in every seat that we will be contesting in.

“I have witnessed for myself that we are making notable progress and if the reports that have been presented to me are anything to go by, then victory is certain. As the national political commissar, I have also been impressed by the unity of purpose that has been on display from all cadres at all levels of the party.”

He said everyone has a role to play during campaigns.

“If a candidate wins, that win is a win for our President and for Zanu PF.”

He said: “For avoidance of any doubt, all our candidates have realised that the electorate is accepting them and it is all thanks to the unity. The campaign teams in each and every constituency and ward are united and that is cascading to the grassroots. Challenges have been addressed to me and I will take them to our Head Office where efforts will be made to address them before the by-elections.

“As a party, we don’t expedite our focus and energy on a particular election but we always look to the future. We are strengthening the party because there are elections that will come in future and we want people, by then, to remember the goodness that is associated with Zanu PF.”

Daniel Garwe who is the Zanu PF Mashonaland East provincial chairman challenged party members to remain united and demonstrate their resilience in working hard for the party.

“We have demonstrated that we can work hard towards the success of the party. All our efforts will lead us to registering a resounding victory in the by elections on February 3. Our preparations have been going on well and we win all the seats.

“Our candidates who will represent Zanu PF have been working hard towards achieving our mission and that should be made clear to everyone, including our detractors. Cde Garwe said all the seats will be won by the party. Some are wishfully thinking that Zanu PF will not reclaim Goromonzi South constituency since it it closer to Harare and has some modern set-ups but we are going to prove them,” Garwe said.