The sole independent candidate vying for the Mpopoma/Mzilikazi constituency seat has called on voters to consider electing individuals rather than party representatives, citing the recent recalls of political party members as a reason for a shift in approach.
A lawyer by profession, Pardon Tapfumaneyi, lamented that just two months after the national elections, Zimbabwe was holding another round of elections due to recalls caused by fights within political party formations.
“We find ourselves holding another electoral process, literally two months after the national elections, a process which has led to the recalls of those very MPs by Mr (Sengezo) Tshabangu. Two wrongs never make right. Now we have double candidates (as the same party has fielded two candidates in one constituency). I am saying to the people of Zimbabwe, now is the time to change the geopolitics of Zimbabwe,” Tapfumaneyi said in an interview.
According to the independent candidate, Zimbabweans must shift their mindset from believing that political parties are the only ones who can deliver a political solution as individuals can do just as well.
“I am ready to hit the ground in Mpopoma- Mzilikazi, where I am standing as an independent candidate. I was born and bred in Mpopoma and understand the issues there,” he claimed.
Tapfumaneyi revealed he had been a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) prior the August elections but left after he was sidelined in the party’s candidate selection process.
He added that he could testify about grievances members had within the opposition party.
“I know of the issues that have led to the recalls we are seeing now. I was one of the victims. I was sidelined by the flawed process as a result I ran as an independent candidate in August because I didn’t agree with that process,” Tapfumaneyi said, claiming that during CCC’s candidate selection process, people from outside the Mpopoma-Mzilikazi constituency were bussed.
“(Nelson) Chamsia agreed with the commissioners (who were presiding over the selection process) that there would be rerun to rectify that flawed process but that was never done. That flawed process produced a candidate who happens to be recalled.”
The independent candidate said voters needed to know it was allowed not to vote for political parties but for individuals who could also make a difference in communities.
“Now if you vote for a political party and its candidates, they will be recalled again,” Tapfumaneyi predicted.
“We can’t have a vicious cycle. It is time to change and put candidates who are passionate about issues that people face, not candidates who are embroiled in party politics or are involved in squabbles. When elephants are fighting, it is the grass that suffers now people in Mpopoma- Mzilikazi are suffering. They don’t have representatives simply because leaders are fighting for positions.”
Tapfumaneyi emphasised that effective representation was determined by the electorate, who chose who would vote for and represent them.
“People must decide and make a decision. That decision can be made in this by-election. I always hear that Zimbabweans can’t vote for independent candidates but this is the time to show political parties that we can vote for independent candidates,” he said.
He also advised the electorate not to be involved in the squabbles of the political parties but to choose candidates who will ably represent their needs in Parliament.
“Vote for someone who is not embroiled in party politics but dedicated to serving you. I hope this time people have learnt how political parties act so let’s get the right person to the job. I look forward to my campaign in Mpopoma-Mzilikazi from Mabutwheni, Mpopoma, Matshobane, Entumbane, Burombo, Thorngrove, Mziliakai, Thokozani and Sotshangane Flats, I am coming there I am ready to serve the people,” said the independent candidate.
