ZIMBABWE: The country’s third largest political party (ZAPU) in local government, is gearing up for the second national and local ward by-elections. The by-elections will be held in at least 15 constituencies and 17 wards for the positions of Members of parliament and councillors.

Zimbabwe President, E.D Mnangagwa, declared the by-elections to be held on the 7th of November after he was notified by the speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate Mudenda that 15 members of CCC had been recalled by the party according to the self-imposed intern Secretary General, Tshabangu.

Meanwhile, in a press statement that was sent to My Afrika Magazine by ZAPU Spokesperson, Mso Ndlovu, the party indicated that they engaged with people from different stakeholders in Bulawayo, where most of the recalling was done. The Party stated out that, they have been directed by the people to take party in the by elections, as they claim that they will be defending the rights of the voters.

“After exhaustive internal consultations, ZAPU commissioned leaders; residents association to seek theirs views regarding the impending by-elections […] After these successful consultations, the party has decided to heed the call of those who have told us never give free lunch to the architects of these illegal recalls,” wrote Ndlovu.

Mso Ndlovu informed this publication that ZAPU will be fielding candidates in all affected constituencies, and they have called all the voters to support their candidates.

“We are calling on all progressive forces to rally behind our candidates and defend the democratic space so molested by malevolent miscreants,” said Ndlovu.

When asked if ZAPU wins majority of seats in Bulawayo will they go into coalition or work in agreement with the main party in Bulawayo, the Triple C, Ndlovu indicated that they will be open to work with any political party who are victims of the recall.

“Our primary motivation is to defend the rights of voters whose choices are being molested in broad daylight. In that regard, we will work with all progressive forces who are victims of collusion between state institutions and political actors,” said Ndlovu.

Ndlovu further said, the by elections will grant ZANU PF a majority win in parliament if they permit them to run the by-elections unchallenged.

“ZAPU is clear that these recalls were irregular, unlawful and illogical. But the consequences on non-participation are too dire to contemplate. Allowing ZANU PF to gain a two third majority in parliament, with it the power to amend the constitution to remove term limits is a reality we must fight on the ballot with the last drop of our blood,” explained Ndlovu.

The last time ZAPU won a parliamentarian seat, was in 1985 when they won 15 seats under the leadership of the former Vice President Joshua Nkomo.