THE Coalition for Democrats (Code) has nominated Renewal
Democrats of Zimbabwe (RDZ) leader Elton Mangoma as its presidential candidate
in the 2018 elections.
The coalition also elected Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa as
the supreme council chairperson, who also becomes the leader of the grouping.
The coalition has nine parties, namely, Zapu, RDZ,
Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe led by Barbara Nyagomo, Zimbabweans United
for Democracy Party (Farai Mbira), Democratic Assembly for Restoration and
Empowerment (Gilbert Dzikiti), African Democratic Party (Marceline Chikasha),
Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn (Simba Makoni) and ZimFirst (Maxwell Shumba).
Both Dzikiti and Mbira, who have a separate arrangement
with the National People’s Party (NPP), absented themselves from the elective
meeting.
The leaders expressed confidence of winning the 2018 elections
although they said they would not distribute the seats, but would support the
most popular candidate in a particular area.
Makoni, Chikasha and Shumba are other members of the
supreme council, while the post of vice-president will be filled at a later
stage.
Mangoma said they would focus on turning around the economy
and job creation, among other priority issues.
“Fear is one of the greatest challenges in this country and
as we go to the issue of voting and voter registration, fear is being used in our
people,” he said.
“We also want to fight corruption and not by word as Zanu
PF do. As far as we are concerned, we are going to fight corruption and build
the nation of Zimbabwe to make sure that everyone feels they are Zimbabwean
with no first-class or second-class citizens.”
Mangoma said they would take the Zimbabwe Electoral
Commission to task to ensure transparency in the management of elections.
Dabengwa, who dismissed speculation that he would join NPP,
said he was firmly behind Code.
He said when looking at other political players in the
country, Code was the best alternative going forward.
“We are going through into the elections collectively, but
obviously, as our coalition candidate (Mangoma) will be leading the electoral
team, while I concentrate on making sure the party gets the necessary support
so that we can achieve success,” he said.
Commenting on their chances of winning the elections,
Dabengwa said: “If the people of Zimbabwe are happy with the status quo, then
perhaps our chances are remote, but if they are feeling the pinch like we do,
where you get up to queue at the bank at 4am to get $50, then I think we will
be able to win.” newsday
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