The protest action has sent alarm bells ringing in Zanu (PF). Across the country, simmering resentment against Zanu (PF) has seen the embattled party struggling for relevance amid sliding popularity ratings. It seems to have read the mood and is beginning to regroup and reorganize amid firm indications that the party faces certain defeat in polls scheduled for 2012 or 2013.
Emboldened by the presence of MDC in the government of national unity, more and more people are taking steps to indicate that they will not give Zanu (PF) another mandate to govern given the violence that it planned and executed in 2008.
Zanu (PF)’s Chivi Central MP, Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana, has been given a taste of this medicine. His recent attempts to hold “star rallies” in his constituency have been snubbed by local villagers who are accusing him of leading and funding political violence in 2008.
Sources in Chivi said that Mangwana had scheduled four rallies at Gwitima business centre, ward 18 Chivi Central, but villagers in the area boycotted them all.
Analysts say this was a reflection of the electorate's lack of trust in the party.
Mangwana tried to mobilise and hold another rally – but again his efforts came to nought as villagers remained defiant.
“Mangwana is singing the blues,” said a source in Chivi. “He has failed to attract villagers to his rallies for the eighth consecutive time. People are accusing him of inciting violence during the run-up to the presidential election run-off, and intimidating them into voting for Mugabe.”
Mangwana dismissed the reports.
"Our campaign is on course and the people are walking with us," he said.
Post published in: News