More than 30 senatorial and lower house seats now stand vacant. Villagers in Nkayi South have bemoaned going for a long time without a representative in Parliament following the expulsion of Abednico Bhebhe in 2009.
Bhebhe and two other legislators, Njabuliso Mguni (Lupane East), and Norman Mpofu (Bulilima East) lost their parliamentary seats when they were fired by the Welshman Ncube led MDC on allegations of siding with the MDC-T.
The three have approached the High Court to compel Mugabe and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to announce new dates for by-elections.
Bulawayo High Court Judge, Nicholas Ndou, in October ordered Mugabe and ZEC to announce new by election dates but Mugabe appealed the decision in the Supreme Court. The hearing has been set for 5 July 2012.
“The absence of an elected MP is really hindering development in the area. We hope that the Supreme Court will speedily resolve this issue because people in the area are suffering as a result of lack of representation .We want the by elections so that we give Bhebhe the mandate to continue with his projects in the area,” said Sambulo Maphosa, an Nkayi Rural District councillor.
“Zanu (PF) officials and traditional leaders are denying MDC supporters food assistance. The situation is particularly bad in Ward 19 where Acting Chief Tshugulu, Walter Sibanda, are openly side lining MDC supporters,” he added. “A lasting solution should be found as soon as possible because it is not Welshman Ncube who is suffering. We want a by election now so that we choose our MP.”
Bhebhe, now the MDC-T Deputy Organising Secretary, said he would stand in a by election any time.
Post published in: News