By Promise Dube
ZAPU president Sibangilizwe Nkomo has urged communities to vote in large numbers in the upcoming August 23 elections, saying they must not be intimidated by Zanu PF.
Speaking at a rally in Mathengwa village, Ward 19 Plumtree in Matabeleland South, Nkomo said ZAPU is a peaceful party that does not want political violence.
He urged people to go to the polls without fear and vote for the party of their choice.
“ZPRA did not fight for political violence. ZAPU never wanted political or electoral violence and today we are saying no to violence. Whether it is political violence or home-based violence we do not want any form of violence,” he said.
Nkomo encouraged the Plumtree community to vote without fear, saying they must not listen to intimidation threats peddled by some political leaders in Zanu PF or traditional leaders.
“It is not true that there is a camera inside the polling booth or that someone will be looking at you when voting, your vote is your secret. Feel free when voting because no one will be looking at you. Even the police can’t look at your vote, Toss the fear that Zanu has instilled in you and vote for ZAPU,” said the ZAPU leader as he asked the communities to give them a chance to be in power.
“See if we will fail to revive the country in a short period. When voting, do not put your X under thieves, killers and liars. This country is dead, if you vote for those thugs you will be burying it.”
Nkomo also criticised the State for using chiefs to carry out its political work. He said the chiefs who were tasked to ask for forgiveness from the victims of Gukurahundi were also affected by the genocide and cannot be impartial.
Nkomo also took a swipe at Saviour Kasukuwere, who said should he assume power, will avail a US$1 billion compensation fund for Gukurahundi as if that could atone for people who died and are victims of the genocide.
He called for justice for the victims of Gukurahundi and said ZAPU will not accept a US$1 billion compensation fund as a substitute for justice.
The villagers who attended the rally agreed with Nkomo and said they cannot vote for a political party that killed their children and relatives.
