DESPITE the newly-formed opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party posting a runaway victory in the nationwide by-elections held over the weekend, the ruling Zanu PF is equally reveling in the electoral outcome, saying the results proved the party’s growing popularity in former opposition strongholds.
Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa told journalists at a press conference in Harare yesterday that while the results of the by-elections are a testimony to their growing popularity in the country, ‘the fractious nature of the opposition exposed them’.
“The party is grateful to Manicaland for the win and Harare Province in Epworth which gave us two more seats in Parliament. Congratulations to those Zanu PF candidates who won several local council seats,” said the ruling party publicist.
“(Zanu PF) did well and the candidates who wrestled seats from the opposition did well. I can’t say the same about the opposition. The fractious nature of opposition exposed them,” said Mutsvangwa.
He also heaped praise on the poll-governing Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) for doing their job well, since there have been no complaints of favoritism and bias from contesting parties and candidates.
While laughing off the well-subscribed rallies, of the Nelson Chamisa-led CCC, precipitating Saturday’s by-elections, Mutsvangwa said:
“a rally is not a booth. A voting booth is where power is dispensed because the CCC has been celebrating the numbers of youths attending their rallies.”
He implored on triumphant candidates in local authority polls to get down to ‘serious business’ and ensure adequate provision of services to those who balloted in their favour.
Said Mutsvangwa:
“We hope they get down to serious business as winners because there is serious work to be done can they go back and look at removing rubbish, remove sewage which pesters the urban areas, provide running water.”
“There are a lot of issues they should be addressing, be responsible. Blaming central Government is not fair because electorate will catch up with them. We see 2023 as an opportunity.”
“We are here for the long term we shall be contesting urban areas. To the opposition we say their days of electorate supremacy is under serious challenges. Every councillor of the CCC must be accountable if not we will make sure to take them to task.
“The margin between CCC and ZANU PF declares a wash out. We cleaned and opposition failed to make traction. They are being neglected in rural vote and to think that 70 or 80% is rural constituencies where they are making tailways. Chamisa will be left aspiring to go to State House.”
Zwnews
