Senator Douglas Mwonzora, the leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/08/douglas-mwonzora-withdraws-from-the-2023-presidential-election/">announced his withdrawal from the 2023 presidential race</a> on Tuesday, 08 August 2023. This decision has triggered an analysis of the evolution of his stance on elections.
Mwonzora assumed leadership of the MDC, taking over from Thokozani Khupe, who had been serving as the interim president. The party awaited the Supreme Court-sanctioned Congress to elect its new leader. Since the passing of its founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018, the MDC has been embroiled in leadership disputes. Both Khupe and Nelson Chamisa claimed to be the rightful successors until the courts ruled that the party should hold an elective congress.
After the courts ruled against Chamisa, the former Student leader decided not to participate in the congress where Mwonzora was elected as the MDC leader. Khupe alleged that the congress was rigged and eventually left the party to form a now-defunct splinter group.
Chamisa, along with some dissatisfied MDC officials and those who had been dismissed from the party for supporting him, regrouped and formed the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The party, with some members still representing MDC in Parliament, quickly gained momentum and overshadowed the MDC.
<h3>Mwonzora’s stance on elections: Makatimezha Kupi?</h3>
When the MDC expelled some of its members from Parliament and local councils for their allegiance to Chamisa, by-elections were triggered. Political analysts predicted that the Mwonzora-led faction would not win any elections due to its lack of popularity compared to Nelson Chamisa’s CCC. Mwonzora dismissed these claims, asserting that the MDC was prepared for elections. He questioned, “munoti hatichina vanhu makatimezha kupi,” which loosely translates to “Where did you measure us to conclude that we lack supporters?” Watch the video below for more.
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 480px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="268" id="video-261890-1" preload="metadata" width="480"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mwonzora-makatimezha-kupi.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mwonzora-makatimezha-kupi.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mwonzora-makatimezha-kupi.mp4</a></video></div>
By-elections were held on 26 March 2022, and the MDC Alliance did not win even a single seat out of the 28 National Assembly and 121 local government seats that were up for grabs. The seats were divided between the ruling ZANU PF and the CCC with the latter winning the majority.
<h3>Mwonzora then predicted victory in the 2023 elections</h3>
Despite the previous setback, Mwonzora conceded defeat and announced that the party was regrouping and focusing its efforts on the 2023 elections. Last year, he told reporters that he had a dream in which the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared him the winner of the 2023 presidential race.
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 320px;"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="580" id="video-261890-2" preload="metadata" width="320"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mwonzora-ndakahwinha-2023.mp4?_=2" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mwonzora-ndakahwinha-2023.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mwonzora-ndakahwinha-2023.mp4</a></video></div>
<h3>Mwonzora’s withdrawal from the 2023 Elections</h3>
Today, Mwonzora withdrew his candidacy from the 2023 presidential election, citing the poor management of the electoral process by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). Watch the video below for more.
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 480px;"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="270" id="video-261890-3" preload="metadata" width="480"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/mWONZORA-out.mp4?_=3" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/mWONZORA-out.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/mWONZORA-out.mp4</a></video></div>
Some political analysts speculate that Mwonzora withdrew to avoid inevitable humiliation. The MDC recently lost an appeal in which its 87 parliamentary candidates were contesting their disqualification by the ZEC. This means that the party is now left with only 24 candidates competing in constituencies, excluding proportional representation. While Mwonzora’s constituency is the entire country, having more MPs would have been advantageous for him.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Evolution Of Douglas Mwonzora's Stance On Elections

Former MDC-T deputy president Thokozani Khupe believes the outcome of the 26 March by-elections is an indication that the newly-formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party led by Nelson Chamisa will win in the upcoming 2023 general elections and form the next government.
CCC won 19 out of the 28 National Assembly seats and the majority of council seats in the recently-held by-elections.
However, almost all of the parliamentary seats are in urban areas, the opposition’s strongholds and ZANU PF reclaimed two seats that were won by the opposition in 2018.
Khupe’s spokesperson Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu on Monday told NewsDay that the by-elections will lay a firm foundation for an opposition victory in 2023. Ndlovu said:
<blockquote>
[H]er supporters turned out in their numbers to vote for CCC and the citizens rejected ZANU PF and Mwonzora.
As Khupe said last week, the outcome of these by-elections will lay a firm foundation for an overwhelming victory in 2023.
It is clear that CCC will form the next government of Zimbabwe and Chamisa will be the next president of the country.
</blockquote>
Just before the by-elections, Khupe announced that she was supporting CCC candidates but the party’s Bulawayo structures have refused to work with her.
CCC party members in Bulawayo say Khupe’s previous association with ZANU PF leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made it difficult for them to trust her.
When Khupe was sacked by the MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora, she launched the “#beat the pot campaign, No vote for Mwonzora, No vote for ZANU PF”.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/03/chamisa-poised-for-2023-landslide-victory-khupe/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Chamisa Will Be Zimbabwe's Next President - Khupe

ZANU PF has called on opposition political parties to always accept election results whether they win or lose.
This comes as the newly-formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) won 19 out of the 28 National Assembly seats that were contested in the by-elections held on 26 March.
Speaking during a press conference at the party headquarters on Monday, ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa said the ruling party was happy with the by-election results after it won two seats that had been won by the MDC Alliance in 2018. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
We did very well, the party did very well, candidates who wrestled seats from the opposition, I can’t say the same on the opposition.
Most of the seats belonged to the opposition, but with their fractured nature, ZANU PF managed to snatch two seats.
We thank ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) for providing a fair hunting ground and unfair criticism of ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba can now die down.
We see 2023 as an opportunity when the fortunes of ZANU PF will be sustained as the message resonates well with the people.
The Saturday by-elections was a warning that their days of urban electorate supremacy are over.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF won Epworth and Mutasa South, two seats that had been won by the MDC Alliance in the 2018 harmonised elections.
The ruling party also retained its seats in Gokwe Central, Chivi South, Mberengwa South, Murehwa South, Marondera East, Mwenezi East and Tsholotsho North.
The MDC Alliance, now under the leadership of Douglas Mwonzora, failed to win a single seat.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/opposition-should-accept-poll-results/">The Herald</a></h4>

Opposition Should Always Accept Election Results - Mutsvangwa

ZANU PF spokesperson, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa has said the just-ended by-elections’ results are “proof” that the people who attended opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) rallies during pre-election campaigns did so for entertainment.
Mutsvangwa speaks after the CCC clinched most of the National Assembly and Local Government seats that were vacant.
The ruling party, however, says it is <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/03/27/by-elections-update-zanu-pf-has-retained-seats-won-in-2018-snatched-2-from-ccc/">relieved by the results</a> since it managed to snatch 2 seats that historically belonged to the opposition and retained those it won in 2018.
Out of the 28 parliamentary seats that were up for grabs, 20 were won by the opposition MDC Alliance in 2018 of which 18 fell vacant by recalls (by MDC-T), 2 by death.
Of the 28 Parliamentary seats, ZANU PF won 7 in 2018 of which 5 fell vacant by death, 1 by a recall and 1 by resignation.
The remaining 1 was won by the National Patriotic Front and it fell vacant by death. Watch the video below for more:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-229528-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MUTSVANGWA-ON-RESULTS.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MUTSVANGWA-ON-RESULTS.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/MUTSVANGWA-ON-RESULTS.mp4</a></video></div>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

WATCH: CCC Rallies Attendees Only Wanted Entertainment - Mutsvangwa

Opposition MDC-T leader, Senator Douglas Mwonzora has said he is open to the idea of working with the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa adding that the condition is “their attitude towards us.”
He made the remarks during a press conference at the Morgan Tsvangirai House formerly Harvest House.
The presser is held in the aftermath of the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/03/27/by-elections-update-zec-starts-announcing-results/">26 March 2022 by-elections</a> in which the party failed to record a single win.
There were 28 National House of Assembly and 121 local government seats up for grabs. Addressing reporters, Mwonzora said:
<blockquote>
The MDC has always said that it is prepared to work with all progressive forces for the total liberation of our people, fir the total democratisation of Zimbabwe.
Regarding specifically working with Advocate Chamisa and his team, a lot depends of course on them and their attitude towards us.
</blockquote>
Speaking on <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/03/27/by-elections-update-zec-starts-announcing-results/">the loss</a>, Mwonzora said the party will go back to the drawing board and re-strategise. He said they got their strategy wrong. He said:
<blockquote>
Lionel Messi misses a penalty. Maradona misses a penalty. So strategists can get strategies wrong as well.
We are also going to look at other things like messaging, the particular strategy we adopted in this election which is different from the strategy we have used traditionally. We got our strategy wrong.
It’s not time yet to write the MDC epitaph. There are people who wish we were politically dead.
The intention is to win elections in the future. We have come from a disadvantage before, and we will come from this disadvantage now
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, some parties in the MDC Alliance attribute the loss to his approach.
Zimbabwe People First Secretary-General, Marakia Bomani earlier told Pindula News that Mwonzora made unilateral decisions that in the end cost the alliance.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Mwonzora Speaks On Prospects Of Working With CCC, Chamisa

MDC Alliance candidate for the Epworth Constituency in the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/03/27/by-elections-update-zec-starts-announcing-results/">just-ended by-elections,</a> Zivai Togarepi Mhetu, has spoken on the loss to a ZANU PF candidate.
The seat was won by ZANU PF candidate Makari Zalerah Hazvinei won the race by 10 246 votes. 
She was followed by Kureva Earthrage of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) who garnered 8283 votes. 
Mhetu was in third place with 745 while Hazvina Innocent who contested as an Independent candidate attained 441 votes.
Musiyadzayanikwa Richard of LEAD was last with just 92 votes.
There were 266 spoilt ballot papers.
Commenting on the loss, Mhetu said he did not lose adding:
<blockquote>
It’s the people of Epworth who have lost a star committed to brighten their horizon. I need no silver lining.
</blockquote>
Most of the seats that fell vacant as a result of deaths and recalls were won by the CCC.
Out of the 28 National Assembly seats that were vacant, CCC won 19 and the remaining 9 were won by the ruling ZANU PF.
MDC Alliance did not win any even in 121 local government seats that were up for grabs.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"I Did Not Lose" MDC A Candidate Speaks On Epworth Results

The ruling ZANU PF retained the seven Parliamentary seats it won in 2018 that had become vacant recently. The governing party also won two seats, including the Epworth constituency, which had of late become an opposition stronghold.  
The seats that were won by the ruling party in the just-ended by-elections include Epworth Constituency, Mutasa South Constituency, Harare Ward 21 (Mabvuku), Mberengwa South, and Ward 15 in Chitungwiza. Speaking <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/03/27/by-elections-update-zec-starts-announcing-results/">on the results</a>, the ruling party said:
<blockquote>
We won 9 seats in the House of Assembly Elections<img alt="‼️" class="emoji" decoding="async" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/203c.png"/> We retained all 7 seats we won in 2018 and snatched 2 from CCC.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF Spokesperson, Chris Mutsvangwa said the ruling party was relieved to have “kept and solidified its traditional support in the traditional rural bastions.” He added:
<blockquote>
The Party of the Zimbabwe Revolution is most delighted that it made fresh inroads in MDC-CCC urban strongholds.
</blockquote>
Some Epworth residents said they “had no problems voting (ZANU PF’s) Zalerah Makari because the last time she was there we saw some development in Epworth.”
<div class="tweet-body js-tweet-body">
Commenting on the development on Twitter, one Luke @lucas_chatoo suggested that voting for ZANU PF was “the normal thing” for Epworth residents. Added Luke:
<blockquote>
They chose someone who wanted it the most. That should be normal even kusvika kuma Presidential, we don’t owe anyone. Anoda kuita leader should earn it. Manje kuma presidential the rural decide for us. Havana zvokuita,they use their energy on voting.
</blockquote>
</div>
Some believe the title deeds factor played the trick. One Washington @wash1024 said on Twitter:
<div class="tweet-body js-tweet-body">
<blockquote>
Fear of murambatsvina is number 1 in Epworth and they remember that when voting and Zanu pf leverages that. CCC cannot promise them title deeds or even temporary security like Zpf
</blockquote>
</div>
During the campaigns, the ruling party promised to give title deeds to Epworth residents. 
Meanwhile, Team Pachedu, an opposition political activism online group, suggested that the victory was fraudulently attained. Said Team Pachedu:
<blockquote>
ZEC manipulated the voters’ roll resulting in many voters failing to vote yesterday… ZEC illegally secretly moved people to different wards… relatives who live together in Epworth, but are voting in different wards. This is ILLEGAL. ZEC violated the Electoral Act and heads must roll.
</blockquote>
ZEC has in the past denied Team Pachedu’s allegations that it was rigging elections in the favour of the ruling party.
<h2 lang="en">More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

By-elections Update: ZANU PF Has Retained Seats Won In 2018, "Snatched 2 From CCC"

Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa prevailed in the 26 March By-elections winning 75 out of 122 (61.5%) council seats and 19 out of 28 (68%) Parliamentary seats that were up for grabs.
The party’s overall performance was 64.75%. 
The rest were won by the ruling ZANU PF.
Out of the 28 parliamentary seats that were up for grabs, 20 were won by the opposition MDC Alliance in 2018 of which 18 fell vacant by recalls (by MDC-T), 2 by death.
Of the 28 Parliamentary seats, ZANU PF won 7 in 2018 of which 5 fell vacant by death, 1 by a recall and 1 by resignation. 
The remaining 1 was won by the National Patriotic Front and it fell vacant by death. 
Meanwhile, MDC-T leader, Senator Douglas Mwonzora has recalled 16 more councillors.
Commenting on the recalls, exiled Political Science Professor, Jonathan Moyo, suggested that councillors that were elected under the MDC Alliance banner in 2018 and are pro-Chamisa, should all resign. Said the former Information minister:
<blockquote>
… why are MPs &amp; Councillors elected as MDC-A in 2018 and are now #CCC still clinging to MDC-A seats, as @DMwonzora holds them hostage? Why not resign en masse before it’s too late?
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that Mwonzora intends to recall more councillors who are being accused of ceasing to be members of the MDC-T.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

By-elections Update: CCC Triumphs With Overall Performance Of 64.5%

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa is leading the race in both National Assembly and local government seats attained from the 26 March by-elections.
As per the latest results announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), the newly-formed party has won:
<blockquote>
i). 77/120 (64%) Council Seats
ii). 19/28 (68%) Parliamentary Seats
Overall Performance: 66%
</blockquote>
The ruling ZANU PF follows at a distant second while opposition MDC-T which is contesting as the MDC Alliance is yet to record a single win.
Most of the seats were left vacant when MDC-T recalled members that were pro-Chamisa. The just-ended poll was set to restore the 2018 order as Chamisa’s lieutenants are winning, but, MDC-T leader, Senator Douglas Mwonzora, has recalled 16 more councillors. 
Another observation is that the ruling ZANU PF is making inroads into territories that were formally considered opposition hunting grounds. In cases where ZANU PF is losing, it is doing so by reduced margins compared to yesteryears. 
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

By-elections Update: CCC Leading In Both Council And Parliament Seats

Senator Douglas Mwonzora who leads the opposition MDC-T has recalled 16 more councillors at a time when the nation has just conducted by-elections to replace 28 legislators and 121 councillors.
Most of the Parliamentary and local government seats became vacant when Mwonzora’s MDC-T recalled members who were accused of supporting another party led by Nelson Chamisa.
MDC-T secretary-general Ms Paurina Mpariwa wrote to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo informing him of the recall of 16 provincial council members from eight provinces after they ceased to belong to their party.
The list, however, does not include the two metropolitan provinces, Harare and Bulawayo, with sources revealing that the party had to further consult after they realised that they risked the two councils not reaching a quorum as a majority of the councillors seem to be pledging allegiance to the Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens’ Coalition for Change. Wrote Mpariwa:
<blockquote>
We hereby notify your office in terms of Section 268 as read with Section 129 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe we hereby declare that the following provincial councillors have ceased to belong to the Movement for Democratic Change, which is a member of the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance.
Our party was the party to which these councillors belonged at the time of the 2018 elections. I am the current secretary-general and as such my office has the authority to make this correspondence. 
The members listed, by operation of clause 5.10a of the constitution of our party, their membership is automatically terminated.
</blockquote>
<h2>We present below the list of councillors that were recalled:</h2>
<blockquote>
Clrs 1). Sharon Ndlovu, Matabeleland North 
2). Caroline Ndlovu, Matabeleland North 
3). Chiratidzo Mudimba, Matabeleland North 
4). George Siachuma, Matabeleland North 
5). Clrs Learny Ndlovu, Matabeleland South
6). Mtsabo Jerow Habvane, Matabeleland South
7). Gugu Ncube, Matabeleland South
8). Clrs Fransisco Masendere, Midlands
9). Lucia Madzivire, Midlands
10). Sarah Mwatenga, Masvingo province
11). Sekai Dhokotera, Mashonaland Central, 
12). Petro Tonderai Samhu, Mashonaland Central
13). Constance Chihota, Mashonaland East
14). Taurayi Pasirayi, Mashonaland East 
15). Edeline Chivimbiso, Mashonaland West
16). Macdonald Homora, Mashonaland West
</blockquote>
In the just-ended 16 March 2020 by-elections, the Matabeleland region had 20 vacant local authority seats and 4 National Assembly seats.
Bulawayo had 9 vacant council seats, Matabeleland North had 5and Matabeleland South had 6. Bulawayo’s seats fell vacant following the recall of 8 councillors and the death of Ronnah Mudara, all from the MDC-T party while in Matabeleland North 2 councillors were recalled in Victoria Falls and 3 Zanu-PF councillors died.
In Matabeleland South, the MDC-T recalled three councillors while three Zanu-PF councillors died.
From the results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) so far, the Mwonzora-led party has not won any seat.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/mwonzora-recalls-16-more-councillors/">The Sunday News</a>

JUST IN: MDC-T Leader Douglas Mwonzora Recalls 16 More Councillors

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) vice-president, Tendai Laxton Biti has won the Harare East by-election to retain the seat.
Biti was recalled from Parliament in 2021 by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the party he formed in 2013. Below are the results from the Harare East constituency by-election: 
<blockquote>
i). Laxton Tendai Biti CCC: 7534 
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mavis_Gumbo">ii) Mavis Gumbo</a> ZANU PF: 3045 
iii). MDC Alliance:     114 
iv). UZA:      100 
v). <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/02/18/bitis-challenger-bravely-working-towards-development-of-our-society-economy/">Precious Musarurwa</a> LEAD: 25 
</blockquote>
Winner: CCC Laxton Tendai Biti
Commenting on Biti’s recall, the CCC party and some political analysts said he had been dismissed for being vocal against corruption.
Biti was the chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and had a series of hearings to make some public entities accountable for resources allocated to them.
Of much vitality among the hearings was that of Command Agriculture in which he was supposed to interrogate business mogul, Kuda Tagwirei who was contracted to implement the Command Agriculture.
Biti claimed that Sakunda had squandered or failed to account for US$3 billion under the scheme. The oil company denies the allegations.
The former Finance Minister (2009-2013) was subsequently recalled before he could question Tagwirei amid reports that <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/11/15/sakunda-boss-avoids-parliamentary-hearing-as-zanu-pf-mps-walk-out-to-deny-biti-a-quorum/">ZANU PF legislators were frustrating the efforts. </a>
Meanwhile, Biti, like everyone elected into office on 26 March 2022, will only serve for a year as the country will go to the polls again in 2023.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

By-elections Update: Tendai Biti Retains Harare East Parliamentary Seat

Information Secretary, Nick Mangwana, has said the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa has “failed” to penetrate the rural vote as had been anticipated.
He speaks as the results of by-elections held on Saturday 26 March 2022 show that CCC is winning mainly urban areas where the opposition MDC has traditionally won since its formation in 1999. Commenting as ZEC continued to announce the results, Mangwana said:
<blockquote>
It seems like the “Colour Revolution” was a poor attempt at creating a grassroot(s) movement. It was all hype, no heart. All style, no substance All froth, no beer All bark, no bite All buzzwords, no facts. You have more? Please share.
</blockquote>
In the run-up to the by-elections, Chamisa toured all provinces where the elections would be held and thousands of supporters thronged to the rallies to hear him speak.
The huge attendance, even in rural areas known for being ruling ZANU PF’s hunting grounds, gave the impression that the newly-formed party (morphing from MDC Alliance) had won the rural vote.
From the results, attained by Pindula News, the ruling ZANU PF and opposition CCC are sharing the seats with the CCC taking a huge chunk.
It is bad news for MDC Alliance led by Douglas Mwonzora as they are yet to win a single seat.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

By-elections Update: Nick Mangwana Comments On Results

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa, has said the results of Saturday 26 March 2022 are an indication that all authority comes from the citizenry.
He speaks as results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) have revealed that his party prevailed in most constituencies and wards where elections were held. He said:
<blockquote>
This by-election has shown that ultimately all authority comes from the CITIZENS. Citizens are above politicians &amp; their foolish politics. Why did you waste national resources taxpayers’ money? Would these resources not have been deployed to better our health, education sectors?
</blockquote>
The by-elections were held to replace 28 members of Parliament (MPs) and 121 councillors who died and those who were recalled from office.
Most of the recalled were members of the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa. They were recalled by rival MDC-T following a 2020 Supreme Court ruling which ruled that Chamisa was not the legitimate leader of the MDC that contested in the 2018 elections.
Chamisa saw the recalls as a strategy by the ruling ZANU PF to dismantle the opposition in the land. They accused MDC-T of acting at the instigation of the ruling party.
Following the Supreme Court ruling, the government <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/08/28/zanu-pf-mdc-t-share-200-million-mdc-alliance-raises-alarm/">gave funds</a> under the Political Parties (Finance) Act to the MDC-T in proportion to the MDC Alliance vote of 2018.
The development has infuriated the Chamisa-led party which believes it should be receiving the money since <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/08/03/mnangagwa-defeats-chamisa-wins-presidential-election/">Chamisa contested the 2018 elections</a>, not Douglas Mwonzora.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

By-elections Update: Chamisa Speaks On Results

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has reported that ZANU PF activists assaulted a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) polling agent in Kwekwe this Saturday.
The agent, identified as Sympathy, reportedly lost his tooth during the scuffle. 
The Forum reports that Sympathy had confronted the activists who were transporting voters to polling stations in Kwekwe. Said the forum in a case alert: 
<blockquote>
Case Alert A CITIZENS Coalition for Change (CCC) polling agent had his tooth knocked out in Kwekwe after he tried to confront ZANU-PF activists who were transporting voters to polling stations in Kwekwe.
CCC Kwekwe Central National Assembly candidate Judith Tobaiwa said the agent, whose name was given only as Sympathy, was assaulted by ZANU-PF youths in Mbizo township.
</blockquote>
Last month, a CCC activist, Mbongeni Ncube, was assaulted to death by suspected ZANU PF activists at a CCC rally held in Kwekwe ahead of this Saturday’s by-elections.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

By-elections Update: CCC Polling Agent's Tooth Knocked Out In Kwekwe

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage says enough Police Officers have been deployed to maintain law and order during By-elections set for this Saturday.
Speaking to ZBC News, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Hon Kazembe Kazembe assured Zimbabweans of a peaceful environment during the by-elections.
He also highlighted that the citizenry has the mandate to conduct its business in a peaceful manner.
<blockquote>
We want to urge our citizens to remain peaceful. We are kindly asking our people to remain peaceful and as the President always emphasises that the country is built by its own people (nyika inovakwa nevene vayo), equally we should shun violence because it can’t build our country. Elections come and go and therefore we need to remain peaceful.
In the event that people decide to take the law into their own hands by engaging in any form of violence or any unruly behaviour, police will be out in force to ensure that such elements are accounted for. Our police has been deployed all over the country and they will remain vigilant and alert in throughout the election period. 
</blockquote>
He added that the security forces are ready to deal with malcontents.
Cases of violence were reported during campaigns for the by-elections meant to fill 28 National Assembly seats and over 100 council seats.
More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/govt-deploys-enough-security-personnel-to-ensure-peace-during-election-period/">ZBC News</a>

26 March By-elections: Enough Security Personnel Deployed - Minister

With the 26 March By-elections happening tomorrow, many will need a reliable way to follow the results.
We have updated the Pindula App so that you can see results within the app as they are announced. In the app, you will see the seats each political party manages to get. You will also find the breakdown of the House of Assembly votes by the candidate.
You can download the app apk on the Pindula Website here: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/">https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/</a> 
If you already have the Pindula App, please remember to uninstall it before installing this latest version that has the results of the elections.
You can also download it from Google Play here: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.zw.pindula.news">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.zw.pindula.news</a> 
Once the app is installed, to view the election results just click on “Explore” at the bottom of the screen.
<img alt="Zim Elections app" class="alignnone wp-image-229251" decoding="async" height="322" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 261px) 100vw, 261px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Explore-option-in-app.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Explore-option-in-app.jpg 450w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Explore-option-in-app-243x300.jpg 243w" width="261"/>
Next, select “Elections”. That’s it.
 
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-229252" decoding="async" height="406" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 259px) 100vw, 259px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/elections-option-in-app.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/elections-option-in-app.jpg 450w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/elections-option-in-app-191x300.jpg 191w" width="259"/>
Remember, the Pindula app can be used in Zimbabwe without data bundles (Econet only)

Zimbabwe By-elections Results: Follow Using The Pindula App

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday warned chiefs against supporting opposition political parties if they want to keep their positions.
Addressing ZANU PF supporters at a campaign rally in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, Mnangagwa said traditional leaders who support the opposition should pray to their ancestors for guidance. He said:
<blockquote>
We liberated the country through war. Some men and women perished. We said we would work with chiefs and when you see a chief supporting the opposition, that chief should do a cleansing ceremony and ask his ancestors why they would have forsaken him.
</blockquote>
According to Chapter 15 of the Constitution, chiefs are not allowed to engage in partisan politics. It says, “traditional leaders must not be members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics, act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party or cause or violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person”.
Mnangagwa also warned the electorate that the Central Government will ignore constituencies that vote for the opposition. He said:
<blockquote>
If you want the government to listen to your concerns and address them, you will have to send them via channels that we recognise and not through the opposition.
Here is the opportunity to vote for people who submit your concerns to the leaders.
You hear the young boy (Chamisa) saying if I win, he will make this country ungovernable.
Let us make sure he won’t get into government.
</blockquote>
He also reiterated that Zimbabwe will remain a unitary State and secessionists will not succeed. He said:
<blockquote>
There are some Mthwakazi (members) who say they want Zimbabwe to be divided. They will speak, get old and die.
Zimbabwe will remain a unitary State. No leadership in this world encourages its country to be divided. No one will divide it. 
If you want to do that you will leave shortly. Walk in the right path. We want peace, we want development.
This country has its owners and it’s led by its owners. It can’t be led by people who get advice from whites.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/03/be-warned-ed-tells-opposition-chiefs/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Mnangagwa Warns Chiefs Against Supporting Opposition Parties

The Government has released $3 billion to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for the 26 March 2022 National Assembly and council by-elections.
ZEC spokesperson Joyce Kazembe said the printing of ballot papers has been completed while the training of polling officers, who will conduct the elections, will start on Monday.
Ballot papers will be distributed to voting centres later this week, with the deployment of polling officers to polling stations set to be done on Thursday. Said Kazembe:
<blockquote>
We are well prepared for the by-elections, everything is in place and we are well funded.
Printing of the ballot papers was completed and training of polling officers will begin on Monday while deployment will be done on Thursday.
Each polling station will be allocated not more than 1 000 voters, so if a polling station has more than 1 000 voters there will be additional units created to ensure that there are only 1000 voters at each polling station.
The list of voters at each polling station will be displayed at each polling station three days before the voting day so that voters will have a chance to view their particulars days before voting.
… We have been given enough funds for the by-elections, we were allocated $3 billion for the exercise so everything is in place.
</blockquote>
ZEC said it will establish 1 317 polling stations for the National Assembly by-elections and 1 031 polling centres for the council polls.
The by-elections will be held on Saturday to replace MPs and councillors who have either died, were redeployed or recalled.
Polling stations will open at 7 am and close at 7 pm.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/govt-releases-3bn-for-by-elections">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Govt Releases $3 Billion To ZEC For By-elections

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidates in the March 26 by-elections, Masvingo Urban Ward 4 Thokozile Muchuchuti and Aleck Tabe are at loggerheads over the removal of campaign posters.
Muchuchuti told TellZim that she believes Tabe’s supporters are the ones removing her posters.
She alleged that at one point she caught them in the act and reported the matter to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Said Muchuchuti:
<blockquote>
We reported the issue to the police when we saw Tabe’s people removing my posters one night because we did not want to place the law into our hands.
We are law-abiding citizens who respect the law even though there has been no progress of arrests since I filed the report.
At ZEC, we were called together with Tabe for a disciplinary hearing where they opened a code of conduct for both of us and warned against violating campaign strategies for each other.
After we were called by ZEC, the situation got even worse, it is like they took an oath just to sabotage the campaign for me but I will not bow down, especially now because of the support which I am receiving from the community.
They are my driving force because they are motivating me to build my victory.
</blockquote>
Muchuchuti said CCC took away her party privileges like monetary funds to carry out campaigns.
She said she has been getting help from the community as well as well-wishers to forge ahead with her programmes.
Before the removal of her campaign posters, Muchuchuti had reported Tabe for allegedly physically assaulting her, confiscating her documents and other particulars when the Nomination Court sat on 26 January.
<h4>More: <a href="https://tellzim.com/ccc-ward-4-double-candidate-drama-escalates/">TellZim</a></h4>

CCC Double Candidates Clash Over Campaign Posters

Opposition MDC-T led by Senator <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Douglas_Mwonzora">Douglas Mwonzora</a> has said feedback from the electorate suggests that the citizenry wants the change it can trust. In a statement, seen by Pindula News, MDC Alliance Secretary-General, Paurina Mpariwa speaks on the party’s preparedness for the by-elections scheduled for the 26th of this month. We present the statement below: 
<blockquote>
<h2>MDC Alliance preparedness for March 26 by elections</h2>
As all of you are aware, Zimbabwe will be having by-elections on March 26, 2022. I am very pleased that we have managed to field candidates in almost all vacant positions. Where we failed to, it was due to matters beyond our control and we took notes as we prepare for the 2023 General Elections. I am also delighted that we have managed to field more women candidates than our rivals for these elections. This is a fitting tribute to our female candidates during this Women’s Month, whose theme is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
We deliberately chose a grassroots centred campaign strategy for these by-elections. Our leaders led by President Douglas Mwonzora have been traversing across the country engaging directly with our party faithful. We are a labour backed and people-centred party and it is very important that each and every member, and those wishing to join us, are free to engage with our leaders in an intimate manner. This strategy has also given our leaders an opportunity to dispel rumours and innuendos peddled by our rivals on social media and other fora.
The feedback from the grassroot engagement is unanimously clear. Our people want change they can trust. Our people want a Zimbabwe where their savings and pensions are secure. Our people want quality and accessible education and health care. Our people yearn for dignified jobs and those working want incomes that can sustain them and their families. Our people want a fair justice system in Zimbabwe. Our people want unconditional justice and compensation for all victims of atrocities committed from <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gukurahundi">Gukurahundi,</a> 2008 election violence, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Operation_Murambatsvina">Operation Murambatsvina</a>, victims’ of 2018 election violence and many other tragedies brought upon our people because of their beliefs and yearning for a fully free Zimbabwe. Our people want full and unconditional implementation of the Mothlante Commission. Our people yearn for a day when they can vole and fully trust the outcome of the vote because the institutions will be fully independent. We are the only party that can deliver what our people yearn for.
Our message of hope, dialogue and unity of purpose has been positively received. I want to take this opportunity to invite you all to our MDC Alliance Star Rally on 13 March 2022 at Zimbabwe Grounds in Harare. President Mwonzora will be the keynote speaker and will be accompanied by other Alliance principals. This is going to be a festive event and I urge you all to restrain yourselves when provoked by misguided elements. We are a peaceful party and our history speaks for itself.
Aluta Continua
</blockquote>
<h2>More: Pindula News</h2>

Our People Want Change They Can Trust - MDC Alliance

One of the two Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) aspiring candidates for Bulawayo’s ward 26, Norman Hlabano, has refused to step aside to allow Mpumelelo Moyo to be the party’s sole candidate in the 26 March by-elections.
Hlabano and Moyo both successfully filed their papers at the Nomination Court in February but some party officials have endorsed the latter as the sole candidate.
Hlabano was the councillor before he was recalled by the MDC-T together with seven other Bulawayo councillors in September 2020.
On Saturday, during the CCC rally at White City Stadium in Bulawayo, Hlabano was blocked from addressing party supporters when CCC leader Nelson Chamisa took the opportunity to officially unveil all party candidates.
Chamisa apologised for the double candidacy mistake and promised that it would not happen again.
However, speaking to CITE, Hlabano vowed not to step aside arguing that he has to finish his term. He said:
<blockquote>
There is no stepping aside. How can I step aside before I complete my term?
The decision comes from the people and not certain individuals.
</blockquote>
CCC had similar incidents of double candidacy in Ward 9 in Bulawayo and Ward 4 in Masvingo.
One of the candidates in Ward 9 stepped aside but the situation is still to be resolved in Masvingo and in Ward 26 in Bulawayo.
Observers say fielding double candidates could affect CCC’s prospects of winning the two council seats.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/ccc-candidate-imposition-hlabano-refuses-to-step-aside/">CITE</a></h4>

CCC Double Candidacy Saga: Hlabano Refuses To Step Aside

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has banned the holding of car rallies by political parties ahead of the 26 March by-elections.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said car rallies block traffic thereby interfering with the smooth flow of traffic in public places.
Asst Comm Nyathi warned that those who disregard the ban will face the full wrath of the law. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the conduct by some politicians and supporters who are holding car rallies and in the process block traffic thereby interfering with the smooth flow of traffic in urban areas, Central Business Districts and other public places.
In terms of Maintenance of Order and Peace A, Chapter 1,23, conveners of gatherings should stick to the notified venue and avoid breaching public peace.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure that law and order are maintained in public places and those who cause disorder will face the due process of the law.
</blockquote>
Early this month <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/02/08/riot-police-disrupt-ccc-roadshow-in-gweru/">heavily-armed riot police officers disrupted a roadshow by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> in Gweru’s Mkoba suburb and arrested 12 of its supporters.
CCC candidate for Mkoba in the 26 March by-elections, Amos Chibaya, who was part of the roadshow, said that their vehicles were driving peacefully without any noise.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Police Warn Political Parties Against Conducting Car Rallies

Several ZANU PF activists were reportedly attacked on Monday morning by unknown assailants in Njube, Bulawayo, with some left nursing injuries.
The activists were reported to have been campaigning for the ruling party ahead of the by-elections set for 26 March this year when they were pelted with stones.
The alleged attack was revealed by ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa at a special media briefing at the party headquarters in Harare yesterday.
ZANU PF National Political Commissar Mike Bimha corroborated Mutsvangwa’s claims, saying some of the injured ZANU PF members were ferried to hospital. Said Bimha:
<blockquote>
It is surprising that after holding a successful rally in Epworth here in Harare, this morning (yesterday) we had our members attacked in Njube, Bulawayo.
This morning (yesterday) we had campaign teams who were going around doing their business and we have had been informed that they were attacked by members of the opposition.
They were attacked by people throwing stones and others using catapults. We have several cases of injuries as a result of that.
I was in touch with one of our officials in Bulawayo and they tell me that they were on their way to the hospital so that they can give us an accurate report on how many people have been injured and the severity of those injuries.
It is disheartening that when you have been people who are going about their business peacefully, they are disrupted by violent mobs. We are still waiting to get the accurate figures.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Monday night said he was yet to get a briefing on the incident.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zanu-pf-members-attacked/">The Herald</a></h4>

ZANU PF Members Attacked By Unknown Assailants

The ruling ZANU PF party is holding a rally for the launch of its campaign for the 26 March by-elections at Epworth High School grounds this Saturday.
Hundreds of ZANU PF supporters thronged the venue of the rally which will be addressed by the ZANU PF president and first secretary, President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Below are pictures from the rally:
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYvH-4WUAEpH13?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYvIXbWYAIyLGg?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYvI6gXIAEgx-J?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYvKsMWQAEFl67?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/>
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 1080px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="809" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYu0znWQAAb0wc?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" width="1080"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Picture Credit: Open Parly</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 1080px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="809" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYu1rrXsAMdvV7?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" width="1080"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Picture Credit: Open Parly</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 1080px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="809" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYu2WsWQAEe5-9?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" width="1080"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Picture Credit: Open Parly</figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 1080px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="809" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYu3K7X0AISv6Z?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" width="1080"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Picture Credit: Open Parly</figcaption></figure>
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYVxN9X0AAUuVc?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYV1MvXMAEyYcd?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYVugCWYAMWrjM?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYtlDfXwAEgJnr?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYtlDcWUAE0mN-?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYtlDgXsAEUKXi?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLYtlDiXIAQ3B3S?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/popular/">Pindula News</a></h4>

PICTURES: ZANU PF Rally At Epworth High School

Hundreds of ZANU PF supporters on Saturday thronged Epworth High School grounds for the launch of the party’s campaign for the 26 March by-elections.
The rally was expected to be addressed by the ZANU PF president and first secretary, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Addressing reporters in Harare recently, ZANU PF spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa, said the major highlight of the event is the issuance of title deeds to around 80 000 homeowners. He said:
<blockquote>
The signature act of the Epworth visit would be to grant title deeds to the existing stock of urban houses which the people have and have never used and are dead capital.
We have decided as a party that we shall be giving title deeds to urban people. This is something which is big; it is as big as the land reform. It is as big as independence.
It is a signal to urban people that since you are living in an urban setting you need to have a history of credit.
</blockquote>
133 vacant seats will be contested, including 28 parliamentary and 105 council seats in the 26 March by-elections.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/zanu-pf-targets-urban-vote-as-president-mnangagwa-launches-by-election-campaign-in-epworth/">ZBC News</a></h4>

Mnangagwa Launches By-election Campaign In Epworth

A Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) National Assembly candidate in the 26 March by-elections said that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has banned them from conducting door to door campaigns and car rallies while the ruling ZANU PF party holds the same without hindrances.
CCC candidate for Mbizo Constituency, Settlement Chikwinya, was one of the six MPs who were recalled from Parliament on 17 March 2021, by the People Democratic Party (PDP).
In an interview with CITE, Chikwinya, who is seeking to reclaim the Mbizo seat he won in 2018 for the MDC Alliance, said:
<blockquote>
So far there are no incidences of violence but when we look at the issue of environment, we remain concerned by the selective application of the law by law enforcement agencies who are arresting members of CCC as they embark on their campaign yet they leave ZANU PF members.
We have been addressed by the Dispol Superintendent Commanding Kwekwe District who told us we must not embark on door-to-door campaigns and car rallies.
However, ZANU PF is doing the same, going ahead without any police problems.
</blockquote>
When reached for comment, ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said he could not respond to the issue as he was not aware of it. He said:
<blockquote>
Maybe it’s communication at provincial level, I can’t answer on something I’m not really appraised of.
ZANU PF has its own spokesperson. As for the alleged police directive, I am not aware. 
Maybe you can contact the provincial police spokesperson for Midlands.
</blockquote>
Chikwinya said CCC will hold some party programmes this coming weekend and they would then use them to assess how the police would respond.
He said using traditional methods of campaigning, such as mass rallies, was problematic due to the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/we-have-been-banned-from-doing-door-to-door-campaigns-ccc/">CITE</a></h4>

CCC 'Banned' From Doing Door To Do Campaigns

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Electoral_Commission">Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)</a> issued a full list of successfully nominated candidates for the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_By-elections_(March_2022)">26 March 2022 by-elections</a> to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) and councillors. The list is attached below:
 
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLEA4RiWQAUUHSO?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLEA4RiXMAEMudJ?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/>
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

List Of Successfully Nominated Candidates For 26 March 2022 By-elections

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has offered title deeds to an estimated 80 000 home-seekers in the capital whose informal settlements and structures face demolition.
The move which comes a few weeks before the March 26 by-elections has been viewed as the ruling party’s strategy to influence the electorate. 
Mnangagwa is scheduled to hand the title deeds on Saturday when he is scheduled to address what ZANU PF officials dubbed “mother of all rallies” in Epworth. 
 Dwellers have been at loggerheads with the local board over plans to demolish their structures.
In the past two years, dozens of structures and informal settlements were destroyed, leaving homeowners and informal traders counting heavy losses.
ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said handing out title deeds would be a game-changer and likened the move to the attainment of independence in 1980. He told journalists at a Press conference at the party headquarters:
<blockquote>
I am confidently told that by now probably 80 000 houses have been mapped and given addresses. The President will be there to give each one an address, an identity.
The signature act of the Epworth visit would be to grant title deeds to the existing stock of urban houses which the people have and have never used and are dead capital.
We have decided as a party that we shall be giving title deeds to urban people. This is something which is big; it is as big as the land reform. It is as big as independence. It is a signal to urban people that since you are living in an urban setting you need to have a history of credit.
</blockquote>
He added that urban people who have no title deeds find it difficult to acquire loans from banks.
Mutsvangwa, however, admitted that the party failed to implement its ambitious plan in the 2018 election manifesto to construct 1.5 million housing units.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/02/by-elections-ed-goes-for-broke/">NewsDay Zimbabwe</a>

Mnangagwa Offers Title Deeds To Informal Settlers, Just Ahead Of By-elections

Former St Mary’s Member of Parliament, Unganai Dickson Tarusenga, says he is confident that will retain the constituency in the 26 March by-elections.
The constituency fell vacant after the then MP was recalled by the Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T on allegations that he was serving the interests of the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance.
Tarusenga expressed confidence in winning the seat under the newly-formed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) banner. He told Pindula News:
<blockquote>
I am confident because people follow the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) brand.
</blockquote>
Recently, the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa rebranded to Citizens Coalition for Change after Mwonzora notified the Zimbabwe Elections Commission (ZEC) that MDC-T would contest future elections as the MDC Alliance.
Asked whether the electorate will understand the name change from MDC Alliance to CCC, Tarusenga said:
<blockquote>
It is the idea whose time has come, so my brother, this wave is definitely moving with the people without any problems.
</blockquote>
He added that what pushes him to contest in the upcoming by-elections is the desire to complete the outstanding projects that benefit the St Mary’s community.
Pressed to be specific on the outstanding projects, Tarusenga cited the rehabilitation of St Mary’s clinic which he kickstarted but eventually stalled when he was recalled. He added:
<blockquote>
My brother, CCC is for ‘shanduko‘ (meaning change), watch the space. The rebranding is definitely not going to affect or haunt party campaigns because if you remember, it was the people who championed this name change to CCC.
</blockquote>
Tarusenga will fight it out with Norbert Jinjika of ZANU PF, MDC Alliance’s Adam Puzo and Marcos Sanyanga, an independent candidate.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Recalled St Mary's MP, Unganai Tarusenga, Confident Of Retaining Seat

Bekithemba Nyathi, a member of the newly-formed Citizens’ Coalition for Change has withdrawn from March 26, 2022, by-election. In a letter seen by Pindula News, Nyathi wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) indicating that he had also notified the party. Said Nyathi in the letter:
<blockquote>
<h2>RE: WITHDRAWAL OF my CANDIDATURE FROM THE WARD 9 COUNCIL BY-ELECTION DUE IN MARCH 2022</h2>
I take the opportunity to inform and notify you of my decision not contest the ward 9 Council by-elections which are scheduled for March 2022. I hereby withdraw my candidature and please be advised not to include my name in the ballot for the by-election due in March 2022.
I have since advised my party loy of the same.
Bekithemba Nyathi
</blockquote>
It was reported yesterday that the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/01/26/chamisa-led-ccc-fields-double-candidates-in-bulawayo/">CCC submitted double candidates</a> to stand in at least two municipal by-elections in Bulawayo, exposing differences in the party’s top echelons.
The four candidates were accepted by the nomination court sitting in Bulawayo in Wards 9 and 26 ahead of the by-elections set for March 26.
Nyathi is a former member of the People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC), a defunct party that was led by former Vice President Joyce Mujuru.
Bekithemba Nyathi contested for Pelandaba Constituency in 2018.
<h2>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

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