ZAPU has decided to run in the December by-elections after receiving permission from their members, including other stakeholders who have indicated that they must not allow Zanu PF to gain more constituency seats, which would strengthen their grip on power.
This position is the result of discussions the opposition party had with citizens, civic organisations, including various stakeholders on whether ZAPU should participate and risk sanitising the controversial elections that follow the contentious recalls of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members.
CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa, has said the party will not partake in what he described a “muppet show” instigated by a “criminal syndicate” involving Sengezo Tshabangu, the Speaker of the National Assembly – Jacon Mudenda and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
However, ZAPU National Spokesperson Msongelwa Ndlovu stated the party has resolved to fight Zanu PF in order to defend the available democratic space
“After exhaustive internal consultations, ZAPU commissioned teams in Bulawayo to engage community leaders, residents, vendors and residents associations to seek their views regarding the impending by-elections,” said ZAPU.
“We did this to make sure that our final decision would not be mistaken for endorsement of the recalls and or sanitisation of those who are actually behind these recalls.”
Ndlovu said after the “successful” consultations, ZAPU would field candidates in the vacant seats.
“We have decided to heed the call of those who have told us never give free lunch to the architects of these illegal recalls,” said the national spokesperson.
“Pursuant to this, ZAPU will be fielding candidates in all affected constituencies subject to rigorous internal processes.”
Ndlovu added that ZAPU was calling on all progressive forces to rally behind their candidates and defend the democratic space “so molested by malevolent miscreants.”
The by-elections will be held on December 9, 2023 at these constituencies: Beitbridge West, Binga North, Bulawayo South, Cowdray Park, Lobengula-Magwegwe, Lupane East, Mabvuku Tafara, Mpopoma Mzilikazi and Nketa.
By-elections to replace the recalled CCC councillors will also be held on the same day for Ward 1, Ward 6,Ward 9, Ward 18, Ward 20, Ward 21, Ward 22 and Ward 24.
Prior to the consultations, ZAPU had stated that it had two opposing views on contesting the by-elections.
“One section of the membership is saying we should never allow ZANU PF a free lunch anywhere and anytime in the country,” Ndlovu had said then.
“This section of our membership is saying they will bring about contestation by hook or crook, they will find us ready to contest them underwater, on the hill mountains and in the air. This is the section of the party that says we must defend the rights of the people at any costs.”
ZAPU was aware that if they allowed Zanu PF “to dictate when and where to contest,” they would be “possibly sanitising its madness.”
“This section of the membership says we should act in solidarity with the people whose leaders they elected have been denied that leadership,” Ndlovu had added.
