TZ said its support base in the two constituencies asked the party to participate as they would not allow Zanu (PF) to have the seats from a silver platter.
Kennedy Fungai and Abigirl Rumbidzai will represent TZ in Mt Darwin and Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe respectively, in the by-elections set for March 27, 2015.
“The grassroots in the constituencies in question vowed not to let Zanu (PF) retain the seats uncontested as they wanted to voice their dislike of Mugabe and his party through the ballot.
“The new party will take the by-elections as an opportunity to learn the ropes. Whether Zanu (PF) rigs the ballot or not would be something else,” Mazando told The Zimbabwean.
Mazando said that any rigging by Zanu (PF) would help TZ prepare better for the 2018 elections.
According to Mazando, TZ was formed as a political party to contest elections not as a pressure group.
“TZ is here to stay and will win 2018 elections.”
Asked whether TZ was not worried about outstanding reforms and the absence of a credible voters’ role, Mazando said that should not stop political parties from disowning Zanu (PF) through available processes.
Mt Darwin West and Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe fell vacant following the elevation of Joice Mujuru and Emmerson Mnangagwa to the vice presidency respectively.
The two MDC formations said that they will not participate in elections whose outcome is pre-determined.
“We will boycott all elections until democratic reforms to ensure the ballot is free, fair and credible are implemented,” Jacob Mafume, spokesperson MDC Renewal Team said.
Obert Gutu, MDC-T spokesperson said: “There is no way we will be party to elections whose outcome is pre-determined. ZEC has again denied us access to the electronic voters’ roll which is crucial before any party participates in an election.”
The Nomination Court has since closed and Zanu (PF) has fielded Auxilia Mnangagwa and James Seremwe as its candidates for Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe and Mt Darwin West respectively.
Post published in: News