SOME of the political parties whose candidates are vying
for the Lupane East seat have literally camped in the constituency canvassing
for votes ahead of the August 3 by elections.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Zanu-PF
legislator, Cde Sithembile Gumbo, in April.
Nine candidates namely; Cde Mbongeni Dube (Zanu-PF), Messrs
Morgen Ndlovu (Labour Economists and African Democrats Party), Given Ncube
(MDC-T), Dalumuzi Khumalo (MDC-Alliance), Nelson Mkandla (National Action
Party), Andrew Tshaba (Mthwakazi Republic Party), Njabulo Sibanda (National
Patriotic Front), Gezekile Mkhwebu (Zapu) and Ms Alice Sibanda (National
Constitutional Assembly) are contesting the election.
Those who spoke to The Chronicle said they have been
holding rallies and door-to-door campaigns in the constituency in the past
weeks.
“We are busy on the ground meeting supporters and
explaining to them the country’s current situation. We have been having rallies
and door-to-door campaigns as we want to cover the whole constituency,” said
Cde Dube.
He said if elected, his goal would be to complete projects
left by Cde Gumbo.
“What I am promising my constituency is that I will work
hard to make sure some projects such as the construction of bridges and clinics
that my predecessor had started are completed. I want youths to be involved as
well because I realised that there are no youth projects,” Cde Dube added.
MDC Alliance’s national council member, Mr Prince Dubeko
Sibanda, who is also Binga North Member of Parliament, said his party will be
holding two final rallies to be addressed by the party’s president, Mr Nelson
Chamisa, tomorrow.
“Our preparations are going well and we have been on the
ground for the past five weeks. We have visited almost all the 14 wards and
people have heard the message. We have been having rallies and on Saturday
president Nelson Chamisa will address two rallies at Pupu and St Luke’s,” he
said. MDC-T Matabeleland North provincial secretary, Ms Na Khumalo said her
party was happy because the playing field was level.
“We are already in Lupane where we have been going
door-to-door and we have covered 12 wards. Our challenge is lack of resources
compared to other parties who can distribute food aid and regalia to lure
supporters,” she said. MRP candidate, Mr Tshabango said he was also busy
campaigning on the ground but refused to explain further saying his party does
not talk to this publication.
Meanwhile, Zec Matabeleland North provincial elections
officer Mr Mark Ndlovu said Zwangendaba Secondary School near Kenmaur will be
used as the command centre.
“We are ready for the polls as we have already moved to
Lupane,” said Mr Ndlovu.
Two council by-elections for Nkayi Rural District Council
ward 23 and Bubi RDC ward 22 will also be held on the same day.
The two council seats fell vacant following the death of
incumbent councillors. Chronicle
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