Zanu (PF) and MDC-T were both fielding candidates for the election, but the MDC says the electoral laws are skewed in favour of Zanu.
Analysts, however, have said the party’s withdrawal from the polls follows a series of defeats in by-elections countrywide since last year’s July polls won by Zanu.
The MDC-T had nominated Tawanda Chitanga as its candidate, while Zanu (PF) had Typewriter Chiuswa as its candidate.
MDC-T acting provincial chairman Benard Chiondengwa confirmed that his party would not participate in any future polls until electoral law reforms had been made.
Chiondengwa said they had since written a letter of withdrawal to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, advising the electoral body of the party‘s decision to withdraw.
The MDC-T has not won any of the 10 by-elections held in the country since last year’s July elections. Zanu (PF) has remained victorious even in urban areas that were traditionally viewed as the MDC-T’s stronghold.
Meanwhile, Zanu (PF) said it would continue campaigning in the area until election day.
Zanu (PF) had a record 11 candidates eyeing the Chivi council seat. The party settled for Chiuswa following party primary elections that sources said were held along factional lines.
All councillors in the Chivi rural district council belong to Zanu (PF).
Post published in: News